The Chicago Bears' Board of Directors voted Thursday to advance the stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, the team said Friday.

The exact site has yet to be selected.

This is this first time that the Bears' board has voted on any stadium site.

"There is more work to do but barring anything very strange, it's a done deal," an ESPN source said.

Chicago Bears leaders said in a statement, "Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected. We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses."

Hammond officials spoke out earlier this week, saying they were optimistic after Illinois legislators failed to pass a "mega-projects bill" that would allow the Bears not to pay property taxes on an Arlington Heights site.

"They're making a huge mistake if they don't choose Hammond, in my opinion," Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said.

Mayor McDermott talked about the Bears as the location of the team's new $3.2 billion stadium hangs in the balance.

"Let's just be honest: They can't get it done. They haven't gotten it done, are not going to get it done," McDermott said.

On Friday, McDermott issued a statement, saying, "The Chicago Bears chose Hammond, Indiana because they see what I have said for years: Hammond is a successful city of opportunity and possibility, an excellent choice for such a significant investment. The city of Hammond and the entirety of Northwest Indiana will benefit from this transformative investment. I am proud to have partnered with our state leaders to secure this win; I'm grateful to Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen Ryan Mishler and our local legislators who pushed this deal over the goal line!"

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also issued a statement on Friday, saying, "Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state! We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the '85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven't seen before. Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality. Welcome to Indiana!"

Indiana lawmakers are now confident about the path forward in bringing over the bears.

"I think Bears fans are going to be a little bitter at first because of the nostalgic aspect of how long they've been in Chicago, but I really feel like once this is in place and they step foot into the new building they're gonna be excited just like we are in Indiana," said Phil Taillon, president of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

The team says they have not chosen a specific site in Hammond, but Wolf Lake Park is believed to be the most viable location.

There was excitement Friday in Hammond, Indiana as the Chicago Bears shifted the focus of their stadium plans there.

Indiana residents are asking Chicagoans to give them a chance, with the belief that this will be a win for everyone.

"Give it a shot just wait and see it's going to be a completely different area around here when everything is all developed, and I'm hoping true Bears fans will follow," Northwest Indiana resident Barb Mack said.

While many people across Northwest Indiana are thrilled about the possibility and future economic impacts, some former Chicagoans say it's still sad to see if the Bears are in fact moving across state lines.

"I love having that hometown feel so it almost feels like we're losing that it makes me sad," Bears fan Jackie Layton said.

And until cement is being poured, fans in Chicago and Indiana say they are still hesitant to believe the move.

"I'd love to see shovels in the ground that will give... a sense of relief that it is gonna happen and just see the renderings of it what're they gonna do what's the vision of the whole stadium," Byway Brewing Co. general manager Phil Sajn said.

RELATED: Illinois General Assembly ends session without passing Chicago Bears stadium bill

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office issued a statement on Friday as well, saying, "The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location. That has hindered their progress. Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith. Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers."

This comes after Illinois lawmakers ended the spring session this past weekend without passing legislation to keep the team in Illinois and build in Arlington Heights.

The failed measure would've allowed for a mostly Bears-funded stadium that would be publicly owned, meaning the team would not have to pay property taxes.

It passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Suburban leaders in Arlington Heights are hopeful the team could still build on the old Arlington Park site.

There was a busy crowd at the Bird's Nest sports bar in downtown Arlington Heights Friday afternoon. If the Bears were in town, they believe that would have brought in many more customers.

Suburban leaders in Arlington Heights are hopeful the Bears could still build on the old Arlington Park site depsite their Hammond announcement.

"Very surprised, shocked," said Nick Campise with Bird's Nest. "I think it's a tragedy for Chicago, Illinois, Arlington Heights, and all the surrounding businesses."

Many customers have similar thoughts. After several years of talking about Arlington Heights as their new home, the Bears now say they are focused solely on Hammond Indiana. Many northwest suburban Bears fans are surprised and disappointed.

"I'm really disappointed," fan Dan Dahlin said. "I think they're risking the franchise value by moving to Hammond."

The Bears have said for months that they needed the state legislature to pass a bill that would give them some measure of certainty in their property taxes. The spring session ended over the weekend without a bill, and many experts predicted this was their next step. Not because they necessarily prefer Indiana, but because it is their only viable option.

That is much too the chagrin of many longtime season ticket holders. George Rosner has had tickets for more than 50 years, since the Bears moved to Soldier Field.

"I understand it's still Chicagoland, but as a season ticket holder, I don't think I would ever go there," Rosner said.

The village of Arlington Heights has been lobbying hard to pass the necessary legislation in Springfield. Mayor Jim Tinaglia released a statement Friday, saying in part, "While we are certainly disappointed in this change of direction, I would like to be clear that our Village's focus will always remain on serving our residents and supporting our local businesses, while positioning Arlington Heights as a premier community."

Ernie Rose with Touchdown Arlington has been working for year to try too bring the Bears to town.

"I don't think it's too late," Rose said. "They don't have shovels in the ground yet. They don't have a location yet.

The South Shore Line said it is encouraged by the Bears' Friday announcement.

"This is exciting news for Northwest Indiana and the broader region," South Shore Line President Dave Dech said. "We look forward to evaluating service options to help fans conveniently travel to and from games if a final decision is made. Staying connected to major destinations and big moments remains at the heart of what we do."

The Bears previously said they would make a decision about their stadium by late spring or early summer.

ESPN contributed to this report.