The Barrington Hills Observer

In the February, 2008 Village newsletter, Village President Bob Abboud wrote the following: “Commercial operations in large barns have recently become an issue within the Village.  The Village supports equestrian activities and recently updated its code to allow small scale boarding on residential properties consistent with our Home Occupation code with the intent to maintain a rural residential character.  However, several properties have attempted to operate commercial scale equestrian operations on properties not zoned for this activity.  The Village has enforced this area of the zoning code in the past and will continue to do so in the future.  The effort ensures the protection of surrounding properties, protects health and safety, and prevents traffic congestion.  We are continuing to review the Village Code in order to ensure that all land owners are treated fairly and that the code requirements and restrictions are clear.”

Yet during the Board of Trustees meeting last Monday evening, Mr. Abboud spoke at length about how in his decades long experience living in the Village, there has never been a problem with horse boarding or cattle raising of any size or scope in the Village that he remembers.  He went on to question whether any restrictions on the boarding of horses is even necessary.  Trustees whom he supported in the recent election for the most part agreed.

This is very concerning to the Observer and should also be of concern to most residents.  What has suddenly caused his change of heart regarding these “commercial scale equestrian operations?”   Further, why did he determine that one of the largest commercial boarding operations in the Village (and the subject of numerous neighbor complaints), complied with the requirements of a “Home Occupation” in his sole post-election decision?  Over one hundred thousand dollars of taxpayer money – our money— has been spent on legal fees fighting this “commercial scale” operation, yet now the President declares there is no problem at all?  What a waste.

For nearly three years, at the request of the Board of Trustees, dozens of resident volunteers serving on boards, commissions and committees have spent hundreds of hours crafting and revising Village code concerning large, medium and small-scale horse boarding.  The goal was to find a way to accommodate boarding operations while still respecting their neighbors’ right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their properties.  Now it seems all their work was for naught and “anything goes”.

Perhaps President Abboud will explain to residents why he’s reversed his opinion and others recently.  It’s the least he owes taxpayers as well as the residents that toiled to fulfill his wishes for new ordinance(s) at his bidding.

– The Observer