Dear Barrington Hills Observer Editor,
In response to a previous article in this publication from 2020, we would like to provide an update to the public regarding the sale of Parcel N located on the corner of Bartlett Road and IL 59, by the South Barrington Park District . Considering the proximity to Barrington Hills, we would like to urge the residents of Barrington Hills for their involvement in stopping the sale of this beautiful land to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
Based on our attendance at Village of South Barrington board meetings and South Barrington Park District Meetings, we have the following information:
A) The South Barrington Park District district used taxpayer money to purchase this land for $3M and are now selling it at a loss for $1.75 million. This is a mishandling of our contributions and the original poor purchase decision has resulted in a lack of maintenance and upkeep for our community parks and facilities in addition to a lack of regard for the greater South Barrington communities.
B) The village’s comprehensive plan, dated April 2023, has this area currently designated for parks and future use for single family detached homes. However, the Village is attempting to re-zone the area in an unconstitutional fashion which is not how our elected officials should be upholding municipal code.
C) The proposed buyer (Plymouth Brethren Christian Church) is proposing to build a 17,000 sq ft Church, 20,000 sq ft School, and a parking lot for 281 cars. They will have a pre-school as a part of this school as well as yearly national events held in both facilities.
D) The proposed buyer (Plymouth Brethren Christian Church) does not have members from its congregation residing in the South Barrington or Barrington area, yet they are trying to purchase 32 acres of our community land to build a massive parking lot and a facility that won’t be of any significance to our community. They would also not be paying taxes towards the betterment of our community – any additional police presence, emergency services, etc would be paid for by the citizens of South Barrington.
E) The buyer in question is being asked to leave from their current establishment and location. Historical data and media on the group alludes to issues within this group that we do not want to integrate within our South Barrington or even extended Barrington and Barrington Hills communities.
F) The proposed buyer is also proposing one access point into the residential neighborhood that is located adjacent to Area N
Exhibit 1: Area/Parcel N (corner of Bartlett Rd and IL Route 59
Exhibit 2: Proposed land development by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
Our goal as a community is not to litigate this matter. However, depending on how this matter continues to develop, we will be forced to pursue legal remedies. This has the potential to delay the matter for a significant amount of time and will not be beneficial for any party.
We urge everyone to do their own research. We included a couple links below to assist the research process. The final public hearing on this matter is being held on August 17, 2023 at the South Barrington Village Hall. If there are further questions, please email us at sbarringtonresidents@gmail.com
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church Wiki
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church Documentary
Please email us with any questions. In the meantime, please sign our petition against this development.
Sincerely,
Concerned South Barrington Residents
This church is the biggest threat to the Barringtons since global warming! This will not have a good outcome and will slowly change the face of our last sanctuary in a doomed state.
We watched Chicago change (and not for the better) and we are next!
This is a cult, evangelist group that should NOT be allowed to come into any community. Their extremist ways include not having any pets, having their followers get rid of or kill their pets. Sounds like a satanic group to me and definitely not an organization that I want in my neighborhood! One more important note: No tax dollars coming into the community as this cult claims to be a church. JUST SAY NO!!!
From an ecological point of view large buildings and parking lots are “impervious”. This means that in addition to wiping out whatever habitat is provided by the plants and trees, there is significant run-off from rain and snow… not to mention the huge impact on sewer/water infrastructure.