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Plan Commission Special Meeting tonight

May 28, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Plan Commission will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

PUBLIC HEARING

  • Approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision Filed by the Owner of 60 Spring Creek Road, Consolidating Property Commonly Known as 60 Spring Creek Road and 56 Ridge Road Into One Single Lot, PINs 20-29-400-006, 20-29-400-007, and 20-29-400-017 (Application documentation found here)
  • Approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision Filed by the Owner of 21 Peraino Circle, Consolidating Property Commonly Known as 19 and 21 Peraino Circle Into One Single Lot, PINs 13-33-301-024 and 13-33-301-016. (Application documentation found here)

PUBLIC MEETING

  • [Vote] Approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision Filed by the Owner of 60 Spring Creek Road Consolidating Property Commonly Known as 60 Spring Creek Road and 56 Ridge Road Into One Single Lot, PINs 20-29-400-006, 20-29 400-007, and 20-29-400-017
  • [Vote] Approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision Filed by the Owner of 21 Peraino Circle, Consolidating Property Commonly Known as 19 and 21 Peraino Circle Into One Single Lot, PINs 13-33-301-024 and 13-33-301-016

A copy of the agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Posted in Agendas, Land Use, Plan Commission, Property Taxes, Public Hearing, Real Estate, Village Attorney, Village Director of Administration | Leave a Comment »

Truck crashes into building and flees, responding police officer becomes involved in crash in Barrington

May 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A Barrington police squad car sustained front-end damage after crashing into another car at Route 14 and Lake Cook Road while responding to an emergency call involving a hit-and-run crash in downtown Barrington on March 20. | Photo via Nextdoor

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A truck crashed into a building in downtown Barrington and fled the scene and then a police officer was involved in a crash responding to the call, officials said.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded last Wednesday to assist the Barrington Police Department following a crash involving one of their squad cars.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Christopher Covelli said the crash occurred around 8:55 a.m. at Route 14 and Lake Cook Road in Barrington.

A Barrington police squad car sustained front-end damage after crashing into another car at Route 14 and Lake Cook Road while responding to an emergency call involving a hit-and-run crash in downtown Barrington on March 20. | Photo Submitted to Lake and McHenry County Scanner

An officer with the Barrington Police Department was operating an unmarked 2023 Dodge Charger.

The squad was traveling southeast on Route 14 just northwest of the Lake Cook Road intersection in the outside lane of traffic.

The police officer received an emergency call for service and activated the squad’s emergency lights, Covelli said.

Report continues here.

Posted in Accidents, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Police Reports | Leave a Comment »

Why McHenry County officials could ask voters for home rule powers

May 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Claire O’Brien | Shaw Media

As McHenry County officials express frustration at state legislation that they say erodes local control, they’re considering asking voters for permission to become home rule.

Home rule is a classification that allows a local government to enact laws as it sees fit, as long as they’re not in conflict with state laws. That includes more leeway to impose fees, restrictions and taxes.

Though some municipalities in McHenry County have home rule powers, Cook County is the only county in Illinois with such powers.

In recent years, solar farms have been a source of frustration for McHenry County officials because state law has limited the county’s ability to regulate such facilities.

Now, officials at the county and in several municipalities have expressed frustration over the proposed BUILD Act — Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan that would limit local authority on what types of housing structures can be built on land zoned for residential.

So McHenry County officials are considering asking voters to weigh in on a home-rule request during the November election.

Article continues here.

Related: “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, Immigration, Land Use, Plan Commission, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Real Estate, Shaw Local, Springfield, Unions, Zoning Board | Leave a Comment »

New data: Illinois homeowners pay country’s highest property taxes

May 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

The state again had the highest residential property tax rate in the U.S. in 2024, tied with New Jersey.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois remains at the top of the country in homeowner property taxes, tied with New Jersey.

Both states had an average effective rate of 1.88% of home value in 2024, more than double the national average of 0.86%.

That translates to a bill of roughly $5,452 on a house worth the 2024 Illinois median of $290,000. But the whole state isn’t affected evenly.

Residential property taxes are particularly burdensome in counties such as Kendall, McHenry, Lake and DeKalb, all four of which are among the 12 highest-rate counties in the country. Median household property taxes in those counties ranged from to $5,974 to $8,923. On top of income taxes and the highest combined state and local tax rate in the U.S., that’s a hefty bill to manage.

High taxes, particularly property taxes, were a top-two issue for 58.1% of likely Illinois voters in a recent poll. Neighboring states all have lower property tax rates, which can entice people to leave Illinois. In 2024, Illinois lost a net of nearly 12,000 people to Indiana, where the effective property tax rate was only 0.76%. Nearly a net 10,000 left for Wisconsin, with an effective property tax rate of 1.32%.

Illinois property taxes are driven by a combination of local and state decisions. Public schools are funded primarily by property taxes, but school districts are forced to rely so heavily on them in part because the state diverts a growing share of its education spending to pensions.

Report continues here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Explore the Fox River by kayak

May 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Lauren Swanson, Forest Preserve District of Kane County

Join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County in touring our local waterways in a paddling adventure!

The 2026 kayaking series begins with a lake-based basic paddling skills class, followed by shorter and less-strenuous river sessions for beginners. As the summer progresses, choose increasingly longer and more technical paddles for intermediate skill levels. Each session, participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor.

Afterward, participants will take to the water for a naturalist-led exploration of the fascinating local ecology. Participants meet and park at the take-out location and are shuttled to the put-in location. Participants may choose any number of sessions; you can take one, two or all six.

For all sessions, participants must be 16 years or older and able to:

  1. Hold their breath under water while wearing a properly fitted life jacket;
  2. Independently turn from a face-down to a face-up position, keeping head above water;
  3. Effectively communicate with the instructor and other participants; and,
  4. Manage all mobility and personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.

Dates and meeting locations for sessions are below:

  • Session 1: (Novice Skills Training; Less than 1-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30; meeting at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
  • Session 2: (Beginner; 4-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7; meeting at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve, 50 Airport Road, Elgin
  • Session 3: (Beginner; 4.5-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18; meeting at Ferson Creek Park, off Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive, St. Charles
  • Session 4: (Beginner; 4.5-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2; meeting at Ferson Creek Park, off Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive in St. Charles
  • Session 5: (Intermediate; 7-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5; meeting at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve; 50 Airport Road, Elgin
  • Session 6: (Intermediate; 6 miles paddle with portage): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; meeting at McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora

The fee for a single kayak for Session 1 is $69 per person and includes use of kayak, personal flotation device and paddle; it is $89 per person for Sessions 2-6. If you provide your own kayak and equipment, the fee is $45 per person, per session, for sessions 2-6. All fees include shuttle service.

Advance registration is required at least one week prior to the program, with payment required at the time of registration.

To register, visit kaneforest.com/register. Rain will not stop a paddle, but trips may be canceled (with full refund) due to lightning, low air/water temps, or unsafe water levels. For more information, visit kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.

Posted in County, Entertainment, Kane, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Editorial: What’s really at stake in the Pritzker-Johnson cold war

May 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Scott Stantis editorial cartoon for Sunday, May 24, 2026 on the fight between Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson over the Bears stadium. | Scott Stantis/For the Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

As we witness the current dysfunction between Chicago City Hall and Springfield, we easily forget that for most of the past 60 years Illinois governors were Republicans while Chicago mayors were Democrats.

There was some tension in those relationships. But for the most part those GOP governors and Chicago mayors cooperated effectively on matters of importance to Chicago. Chicago mayors — for the bulk of that time period, their last names were Daley — understood how to prioritize their requests to Springfield for assistance to ensure they could get to “yes.” And GOP governors — Jim Thompson in the 1980s, Jim Edgar for much of the ‘90s and then George Ryan in the early 2000s — understood that a growing and economically strong Chicago was a boon for the entire state.

During Illinois’ brutal budget wars of the 2010s, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel were frequently at odds on a host of issues. But everyone understood the real warring parties at the time were Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. For all the verbal broadsides, no one ever believed Rauner and Emanuel, who were friends for years before that era, couldn’t communicate with each other reasonably even if striking deals was challenging.

Which bring us to right now.

What is there to say about the relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, both Democrats?

What relationship? There doesn’t appear to be any.

The editorial continues here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, ComEd Four, Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Entertainment, Ethics, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Scott Stantis, Simple Minds, Springfield, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Totaling the unsustainable tax increases and windfall revenue during Pritzker

May 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

By Mark Glennon* | Wirepoints

Both Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton cite their fiscal accomplishments in Illinois in their campaigns for higher office. Among many reasons to reject those claims is the unsustainability of what’s been put onto taxpayers’ backs during their administration.  That total, which very roughly is $162 billion, has provided some degree of stability to state finances and garnered bond upgrades.

However, the consequence is unaffordable government and a cannibalized tax base that is fleeing.

Three buckets go into that $162 billion estimate. Some of it is imprecise, for the reasons indicated, but the big picture is clear.

First, 57 separate state tax and fee increases a raised $77 billion in total since Pritzker took office in January 2019, That number is quite precise and is detailed in a recent report by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Total tax and fee increases:  $77 billion

Second, Illinois governments received some $40 to $54 billion (depending on who is counting) of federal Covid pandemic relief.

That figure includes assistance to local governments that did not all go directly into the state budget. However, that local relief helped take the burden off the state for many of the myriad obligations shared by the state and localities. Moreover, the state also got a huge boost in income tax revenue thanks to the surge in private sector Covid relief. According to Pew Research, Illinois was among the biggest beneficiaries. It was one of 17 states where above-trend revenue accounted for more than half of their total growth during that period. A separate study by University of Illinois researchers also documented the surge as well. We will ignore that surge and just go with the lower number for direct Covid payments to government, which is $40 billion.’

Report continues here.

*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints.

Posted in Fools and their money, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions, Wirepoints | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

May 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) is scheduled to meet this evening beginning at 6:00 PM at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, 23860 Old Barrington Road. Their meetings will include:

  • 6:00 PM – Finance
  • 6:40 PM – Nominations
  • 7:00 PM – Executive Board

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

Related: “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3”

 

Posted in AI, BACOG, Data Center, Elections, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Meeting Minutes, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Well Water Quality | Leave a Comment »

(We stopped counting, but…) FedEx box truck becomes at least 74th vehicle to hit historic bridge in Long Grove

May 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“A FedEx truck instead of a U-Haul is a nice change of pace”| Photos: Neumann’s Cigars and More of Long Grove

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A FedEx truck hit the historic Robert Parker Coffin Bridge in Long Grove Saturday afternoon, marking at least the 74th time the bridge has been struck in recent years.

The FedEx box truck had pulled out of a parking lot next to Neumann’s Cigars and More of Long Grove around 2:35 p.m. Saturday.

The truck began traveling westbound on Robert Parker Coffin Road toward Schaeffer Road, according to surveillance video.

The top of the FedEx truck reportedly struck the struts of the Robert Parker Coffin Bridge as it proceeded through the bridge.

Neumann’s Cigars and More of Long Grove said the truck was able to free itself after the driver reversed out from the bridge.

It is unclear if the truck left the scene but the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was there right after the incident occurred, the business said.

More here.

Posted in FUBAR, Lake & McHenry County Scanner | Leave a Comment »

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Today

May 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Honor our nation’s heroes at Barrington’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 25.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial on Park Avenue. It will proceed west on Main Street, turn left on Dundee Avenue, and then head right into Evergreen Cemetery.

A ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery will follow the parade at 11 a.m. Come together with the community to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed for our nation”

Source: Village of Barrington

Posted in Education, Entertainment, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

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