“Dear Residents
This week, I participated in an important meeting of the Hoffman Estates Plan Commission regarding a proposed rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property, located north of Route 72 and west of Route 59. This proposal has significant implications for South Barrington and the surrounding communities.
The requested M-2 zoning classification would permit the development of a data center on the site, which was the primary concern raised during the meeting. More than 45 residents provided public comments, and every speaker expressed opposition to the proposed zoning change.
During the meeting, I addressed the Plan Commission to voice South Barrington’s opposition to the rezoning request. I emphasized that M-2 zoning for this highly visible corner property is inconsistent with the long-term economic development strategies pursued by both South Barrington and Hoffman Estates. Our communities have invested considerable effort in establishing this area as a destination for retail, dining, entertainment, and other complementary commercial uses. A data center does not align with that vision or with the character of our surrounding communities.
The meeting drew more than 400 attendees, and every speaker who addressed the Commission voiced objections to the proposed development. As a strategic partner with Hoffman Estates, it was my hope that the Plan Commission would recognize the shared objectives of our communities and decline to recommend the requested zoning change.
Ultimately, the Plan Commission voted 4-2 against the rezoning request. The matter will now be forwarded to the Hoffman Estates Village Board for final consideration, with the earliest possible hearing scheduled for June 15th.
I will continue to keep everyone informed as this process moves forward. Thank you to the many residents of Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills, and neighboring communities who attended the meeting, submitted letters, and voiced their opposition. Your engagement and advocacy played an important role in ensuring that community perspectives were clearly heard throughout this process.
For more news articles related to this, see below:
Daily Herald: Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Rezoning Request for Possible Data Center
CBS News: Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Zoning Change for New Data Center Project
Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Rezoning Request for Possible Data Center“‘
We’d like to thank Mayor McCombie once again for keeping residents informed.
Earlier today I was told by Hoffman Estates planner Daisy Dose-Adamzadeh they will not vote until the Monday, July 6th meeting, which means the agenda will be posted Friday, July 3. This is a typical strategy for passing unpopular legislation while the public is distracted by a holiday.