Last Monday evening, East Dundee trustees voted unanimously to approve the controversial proposed development of a 35-acre auto auction facility by Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA), bordering Barrington Hills.
The residents of the adjacent Pond Gate subdivision are to be commended for mounting a valiant and coordinated effort to stop the approval of the IAA development. They attended countless meetings, performed extensive research into complaints against IAA, and mounted multiple social campaigns, including a petition drive that garnered nearly four hundred signatures.
There will undoubtedly be some second-guessing as to why our Village could not stop this from happening, but The Observer has collected some of the reasons pointing out why our Village was at a disadvantage from the start.
Lack of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA): On the heels of the failed attempt to keep the Duda property within Barrington Hills, most candidates in the 2009 campaign agreed that IGA’s needed to be either strengthened or established with neighboring communities. Fritz Gohl actually had as one of his top four priorities during that campaign (see Re-Elect Fritz Gohl).
Unfortunately, this never came to fruition. Barrington Hills has IGA’s with a number of surrounding communities, but never bothered to create one with East Dundee.
“Dark Sky” and other unnecessary detours: In the last four years, our Village government and residents have wasted an inordinate amount of time and money on “issues” such as the Exterior Lighting Ordinance, Horse Boarding regulations that would never be realistically enacted by the administration, and last but not least, justifying providing office space for BACOG within our Village Hall.
Coincidentally, East Dundee had their first meeting with IAA about a year before our Village Board was finalizing the terms of the BACOG lease (May, 2011) .
Heavy handed “diplomacy”: Once the plans for the IAA development were discovered about a year ago, it took little time for this controversial plan to be used as a political haymaker. Despite the fact that our Village was in no position of strength, there was no discernible diplomacy coming from our Village leadership.
Instead, there was heated banter between the respective village presidents. Photos and videos were recorded of puddles being drained from an IAA facility in a nearby suburb. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was notified of that situation and they were also asked to intervene in the local proposed auction site, but this activity only seemed to aggravate an already tense situation rather than move toward resolution.
Eleventh hour strategy backfire: Last week, we learned that the IAA proposal was stalled for months when our former Village president attempted to persuade ComEd to block access to the site (see “Ex-Barrington Hills mayor admits to talking to ComEd about auto auction plan”).
Presumably our former President thought IAA’s only option for accessing the proposed development was to obtain a right-of-way using the utility’s easement. But this strategy neglected to notice that another less desirable, but workable, route existed via Healy Road.
Sadly, our Village has learned too many lessons the hard way for a number of years now. The IAA development approval by the East Dundee board is now the latest, although the battle may not be over yet.
The Observer sincerely hopes that new Village Board members can successfully overcome issues left behind by the previous administration quickly and foster a spirit of cooperation among themselves and with neighboring villages. Only then can our Village begin to move forward.
– The Observer
From observing the actions of our present board of trustees I’d say that ‘spirit of cooperation’ is nothing more than a pipe dream. The offenders have been given the opportunity to act in the best interests of the residents on too many occasions. I’d say it’s time to think about their removal from office.
Securing good relationships with our neighbors is always preferred and the Observer is right that the past President’s bully tactics plainly did not work. Pondgate residents likely have as much concern with destroying their countryside view (unspoken) as they do fear of water contamination. The new Healy Road access is likely worse for BH traffic of heavy vehicles. Instead of mounting another fight with unknown results, how about a compromise that is good for all parties:
1. Settlement to include plantings that “hide” the site from the Pondgate homes paid by IAA – good for the environment and IAA public image.
2. Annual independent water testing paid for by IAA with a plan / period for fixing or stopping the business if water contamination occurs.
3. Ironically, reopen the Commonwealth Edison access if it’s deemed a better route for BH traffic and aesthetics (likely) and convenience for IAA – win/win. Com Ed only blocked it as a political favor for Abboud / Harrington that backfired and appears to have no reason to block it otherwise. Might save Com Ed from some nasty moves East Dundee could take for political tampering.
Seems as though the town of East Dundee would prefer this approach as it secures their revenue without further litigation and Pondgate residents get what they want with water protection and unimpaired views from their development. IAA avoids further blocking of their commercial pursuits and benefit (since they have no fear of water contamination, anyway).
Why does Abboud and some members of the BOT always want to fight and dig their heels in with political cronyism always at the center? Bully tactics are Abboud’s MO.
Thank you, Observer, Nick and Nora. You’re right on track. We can get the job done and remove the sediment at the bottom of the political barrel in Barrington Hills government, Marty McLaughlin and Collen Konicek are a good start to turn things around; and, appointments should continue to replace the Abboud leftovers. And, by the way, it seems totally inappropriate to have the BACOG sign hinged on the front of the Village offices. Time for BACOG to find a new landlord.
Has anyone at Pond Gate researched the history of the parcel where IAA has been approved to operate. Often, parcels of land situated on the border of a municipality are subject to annexation arrangements containing “limited use” clauses. For the IAA parcel, limitation on use of the parcel might not include IAA intended activities approved by the board or this parcel of land may have other restrictions like stingy setback requirements etc.
An Illinois court is prohibited from interfering with the terms of an annexation agreement because these agreements are purely a function of the legislation. It would be an infringement on Constitutional “Separation of Powers” for a court to alter the terms of an existing annexation agreement or not permanently enjoin commercial activities which go beyond stated terms.
You only have to look at the success certain adjacent landowners to the vacant parcel of land located directly East of the “Kelsey Road House” where this legal argument was successfully made in court stopping construction of a multi-phase office complex already approved by the trustees of the Village of Lake Barrington.
Examples of other annexation agreements incorporating clauses controlling use can be on various tracts of land situated on the border of BH. For instance, Northern border (Paganica); Western border (Middlebury) as well as the BH’s Eastern border. These annexation agreements expressly relaxed stringent 5-acre zoning requirements recognizing these parcels of land would act as a buffer between BH and adjacent municipality(ies).
Annexation and border agreements have been employed by the more savvy BH Boards who understood these were tried and tested land use techniques which worked. The tenure of some of these board members date back to the Village’s founding (1954). Like Mr. Caesar, who understood the importance of border agreements, annexation and maintaining a good relationship with neighboring Villages. I am certain this history of BH will not be lost on Pres. McLaughlin and Trustee, Colleen Konicek-Hannigan.
I think the history of BH is burned into the skin of McLaughlin and Hannigan. Joking aside – another viewpoint that has merit is mentioned. I, however am having some difficulty with assuming someone will contaminate the water/aquifer without proof of doing so – other than the former hizzoner taking photos. This is not necessarily proof. The ‘imminent threat’ of this is merely conjecture at this time. Rather than take a stance that the water is going to be contaminated – let’s put into effect the parameters that will insure this won’t happen. Firstly – has anyone at Pondgate tested the area – just so that we all have a beginning point of reference….just saying perhaps we need to tread lightly.
An Inter-Governmental Agreement between municipalities is a long and somewhat painful affair. It involves protections for both parties and can be costly because of the number of “suits” involved. The only IGA that our former village president was involved with while in office was one that he voted against.
As for other BOT members who have held their office for years, shame on them for not looking out for our borders while using the theme as campaign fodder. Save5Acres “candidates” should be ashamed as they have been spending tax dollars on a dispute with Hoffman Estates for years. Mr. Gohl’s accomplishments since 2009 amount to only guaranteeing more horse trails.
Spot on to The Observer when citing all of the frivolous “problems” that have been eating up tax dollars and energy that could be spent productively. Let’s rid ourselves of the past practice of manufacturing a crisis to make it look like we are “busy” and start taking care of the real business of running our treasured village.
Bravo Mamamia! Bella Bella!
I always find The Observer is used as a personal pulpit for character assassination of people the Editor harbors anger and resentment for. I personally am in favor of a Mayor who puts water safety first and does not do back door deals with East Dundee. Why did the current mayor meet in a back door meeting with East Dundee? I would think that the current administration should fight for clean water for their residents. I see non of the residents affected being asked what their opinions of Robert Abboud were. I am sure they think much more highly of him then the Observer does.
Has the Observer investigated why Mayor McLaughlin would personally approve wrtiting a check for $5,000 without Board approval. Maybe he needs some lessons in government by the people and for the people. Harrington Hills deserves who they voted for.
Has the observer know of all awards Robert Abboud earned as being a leader in local governments. a true proponent for the public. of course they would not bring that up as that would be the truth.
Perhaps G Martin should delve deeper into the water contamination that existed under Abboud’s administration – with his knowledge and approval. Talk about contaminating the aquifer….you are in for the shock of your life. If you are really looking for a Mayor in favor of putting water safety first – it sure wasn’t Abboud.
Regarding a check for $5000 – chump change compared to the public misuse of funds when Abboud was in office. Seems to me those that need lessons in government for the people by the people begins with G Martin, Gohl, Meroni, Selman, Messer, Harrington and the minute group of residents hell bent on the continued divisive behavior that embodied the Abboud administration.
And in case you missed it – Abboud was unceremoniously ousted. Give it up and let the new administration move forward and stop comparing every action to a has-been despot.
Here’s a thought – since I can presume Selman is responsible for the ‘leak’ about a $5000 check – let’s ask her at the next board meeting about some other checks when Bobby was in office – better yet – I think it is time for an independent audit.
Well this is my third attempt to comment to Nick and Nora so will see if it’s posted if not then I will contact my lawyer.
My response was this. There is no leaking of information. Barrington Hills board information is public knowledge or you can FOIA the information. So any money changing hands is accessible to the public. The reason I am commenting is simply this if the election is over why I’d the Observer continue to bash the previous mayor Robert Abboud. I don’t know Nick and Nora no do I want to as I believe they just made a very public threat and acknowledgement of unlawful actions by your new Mayor. That is my business as any public individual should be transparent.
I think the BH residents that are concerned about their water becoming contaminated also want more than pretty trees between them and the IAA. I don’t think that McLaughlin is just terribly naive about the negative people he has in his inner circle and about how government runs.
Talk to any municipality around you and you will find Robert Abboud worked for you and your neighbors best interests. Stop the negativity.
Your comments were inadvertently sent to a spam folder by our host software. They are now posted.
They should have stayed there……….
Me thinks thou protest too much………..
Your personal attacks are silly – I care not what you or your cohorts think or say especially about me – funny you use FOIA and public knowledge as defenses. We ALL know how the last administration hid and lied and lied and hid……
Again – why not get the water tested right now – that is your starting point or are you afraid the contamination is already there??? Hmmmmm?
Gee, G Martin. Your posts are confusing at best. I believe that the contamination issue that Nick and Nora have mentioned is the human/horse sewage that has been a continuing problem to residents on Ridge Road. Ask your current friends on the BOT about the sewage saga and how it has been handled for years by the past Administration. It is still a problem but one that I am sure the current Administration will deal with in a diplomatic and professional manner.
And for the record in no way did I acknowledge any misappropriation of funds by Mayor McLaughlin. Obviously G Martin is ‘spinning’ everything to her benefit or cause.
Is it me or is G Martin quick to hire a lawyer? This shows he is obviously a cohort of our past village “resident” president. In his volunteer job, without pay, Bob Abboud spent 40 hour work weeks causing trouble. He probably spent more time as our “resident” president, than at home. Slowly and surely, it will all “seep” out.