Vintage Luxury Homes is seeking approval for the redevelopment of the former PepsiCo site. The Claremont development would include 88 custom luxury single-family homes. | Courtesy of Barrington
By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
Barrington plan commissioners unanimously opposed a proposed 88-home gated community, the Claremont, on the former PepsiCo property.
The village board will make the final decision, possibly at its Sept. 22 meeting.
While commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting supported residential development at the former commercial site at 617 W. Main Street, they rejected the gated community concept as inconsistent with Barrington’s character.
“It just doesn’t seem very Barrington,” Plan Commission Chairperson Anna Bush said. “It just doesn’t seem community focused.”
Commissioner David Holtermann added: “I think gated community promotes things we don’t like. It promotes a sense of division. It reduces social cohesion.”
Resident Daniel Penkava echoed Bush’s view in public comment.
“It’s like they’re elite and we’re just the peons of Barrington,” Daniel said.
Read more here.
Related: “Special Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing regarding proposed 88 single-family home development at former PepsiCo site continues tonight (Round 3),” “‘It is an enclave’: Developer defends concept of gated community on former PepsiCo site in Barrington,” “Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing regarding proposed 88 single-family home development at former PepsiCo site continues Tuesday,” “Barrington luxury home proposal draws criticism from plan commissioners, residents, park district,” “Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing tomorrow night regarding planned 88 single-family residential homes at former PepsiCo site,” “Barrington posts further information on proposed Claremont development,” “Barrington posts Public Hearing notice regarding proposed 88 home development at former PepsiCo site,” “88 custom home development planned for former PepsiCo Research & Development Center property in Barrington”