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Hoffman Estates Village Board of Trustees meet Monday

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Data Center, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Village Code on June 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Hoffman Estates Board of trustees will meet Monday at 7 PM at 1900 Hassell Road.

As previously reported, “(The Plum Farms) data center development will not appear on the agenda of Monday’s village board meeting.” However, Friday South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posted:

“The Plum Farms property zoning on rt 59 and 72 across from the Woods of South Barrington is not presently on the schedule for the Village Board meeting in Hoffman Estates on Monday, but while Mayor McCleod and the Hoffman Estates Trustees decide whether or not to take the Plan Commissions recommendation against the change of zoning allowing a data center, I encourage you to attend their next meeting on Monday the 15th. This gives their leaders time to consider residents voices while contemplating the way they will vote.”

A copy of the agenda can be viewed and downloaded here. Monday’s meeting will be available live via YouTube and the link can be found here.

Related: “Hoffman Estates board won’t consider rezoning for potential data center Monday”

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Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fat Bastard, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, The Center Square on June 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Photo: BlueRoomStream / Screenshot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

A new public opinion poll says Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains low on the list of voters’ preferred choices in the 2028 Democratic Party primary election for president.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights, a nonpartisan public opinion polling firm, from June 1-4, 2026 and surveyed registered voters nationally.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris finished first with 27% of the vote among 1,013 Democrats who responded. 17% said they were not sure.

Next was California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 14%, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 11% and New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8%.

Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear both came in at 2%.

Report continues here.

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Illinois gas tax set to increase every year—without a vote

Posted in Deception, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes on June 11, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2019 “Rebuild Illinois” plan created automatic inflationary adjustments in the state gas tax, which could reach over $1 per gallon by 2056.

By Patrick Andriesen | The Center Square

Illinois’ state gas tax is slated to go up every year without lawmakers ever voting on the increases.

The state went almost 30 years without raising the tax, which was 19 cents a gallon from 1990 to 2019.

That year, as part of his “Rebuild Illinois” infrastructure program, Pritzker doubled the tax to 38 cents a gallon.

More consequentially, the law created automatic yearly increases linked to inflation. Because of that, Illinois drivers will likely pay more in state gas taxes each year for the foreseeable future unless lawmakers take action, as there’s no expiration date on the annual adjustments.

The gas tax could more than double in the next 30 years. By then, it could be over $1 a gallon, five times more than before Pritzker took office.

Report continues here.

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Barrington Hills Park District (Riding Cult) meets tonight

Posted in Agendas, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Countryside Elementary School, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Open Meetings Act, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Taxes, The Other Half, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Village Government on June 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

 

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Cult of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Advisory Committee Report
  • Plum Grove Farms* Data Center
  • Administrator’s Report
  • Trainer Registrations
  • Facility Rentals (RCBH rider fitness class)

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

*It’s actually, “Plum Farms.”  It’s so cute when they try, though.

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What’s next for Pritzker’s stalled housing plan?

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Elections, Ethics, Land Use, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Traffic, Unions, Village Code, Zoning Board on June 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Wood trusses are moved into place on townhomes being built in Pingree Grove last month. A series of proposals backed by Gov. JB Pritzker to encourage more multifamily housing failed to move through the state legislature before its spring session ended. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

A plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois wasn’t the only high-profile legislative proposal not to cross the goal line before the General Assembly’s spring session concluded last weekend.

Neither did Gov. JB Pritzker’s controversial measures encouraging more multifamily housing construction by mandating less-stringent zoning rules.

Named Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD, the proposal was introduced by the governor in February to resolve a housing shortage in the state. It consisted of multiple bills in the state House and Senate and was promoted by Pritzker in the months that followed.

But as the clock ticked down in Springfield, the plan fizzled. No votes were taken on any of the primary BUILD components; in fact, they weren’t even assigned to committees for debate.

“The fact that this proposal did not even make it through committee speaks volumes about how little support it had, even among Democrats,” said Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills, an outspoken BUILD critic.

In a news conference after the General Assembly adjourned, Pritzker said he’ll continue to fight for BUILD. He noted the new state budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for housing initiatives.

Article continues here.

Related: “Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing (BUILD Act/Plan) plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session,” “Why McHenry County officials could ask voters for home rule powers,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

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South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie shares an update on Hoffman Estates/Plum Farms Plan Commission meeting

Posted in Cook, County, Guest Essay, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency on June 5, 2026| 1 Comment »

“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.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to suspend tax breaks offered to data centers

Posted in AI, Data Center, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes on June 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Pritzker, who is widely viewed as having 2028 White House aspirations, is tapping into an issue seen as important to voters. | Photo: İsmail Enes Ayhan / Unsplash

By Natasha Korecki | NBC News 

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday plans to temporarily halt offering tax breaks to data centers that apply to build in the state and intends to call on lawmakers and other groups to hash out a framework in the fall veto session for how the centers should be developed.

In a plan first shared with NBC News, Pritzker will announce he will pause the processing of any applications to the tax incentive program handled by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity beginning July 1.

Pritzker called on state lawmakers this year to suspend incentives for two years while they hammer out a comprehensive review of the impact centers are having on communities.

Pritzker is making the move after lawmakers did not act. The governor cannot unilaterally halt the program, but the executive branch does wield some control over processing applications, according to his office.

By taking on the massive buildings that power artificial intelligence, Pritzker, who is running for a third term and is widely viewed as having 2028 White House aspirations, is tapping into an issue seen as important to voters.

“Illinois has an opportunity to continue leading in technological innovation and economic growth, but we also have a responsibility to protect working families and local communities as the data center industry rapidly expands,” he said in a statement. “I am directing my administration to pause the processing of data center agreements while we continue working with the General Assembly and stakeholders on a comprehensive framework that protects affordability, safeguards our natural resources, and ensures responsible growth across Illinois.”

An NBC News poll this year revealed that nationally, Americans believe the dangers of AI outweigh its benefits. The proliferation of data centers has sparked controversy across the country. An expanding number of states are trying to curb their development, while others are trying to end tax breaks.

Full report plus video(s) can be found here as well as this report we missed earlier this week: “Residents push back against possible idea for third data center in Hoffman Estates.”

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Hoffman Estates plan commission rejects rezoning request for possible data center

Posted in AI, BACOG, Clown Car, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Data Center, Dinky, Hoffman Estates, Plum Farm development, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes on June 4, 2026| 3 Comments »

South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie adds her voice to that of 45 others criticizing a proposal for the rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property at Higgins Road and Route 59 for a possible data center before the Hoffman Estates plan commission Wednesday night. | Eric Peterson/epeterson@dailyherald.com

By Eric Peterson | Daily herald

Hoffman Estates plan commissioners voted 4-2 Wednesday to recommend against rezoning the 186-acre Plum Farms property to manufacturing for a possible data center proposal.

The vote was called after 46 members of the public unanimously urged rejection of the request for an unspecified development by landowner Karis Critical of Florida, which saw a data center proposal in Naperville rejected in January.

Speakers opposed to the rezoning urged the board’s rejection of the proposal without knowing what would go there. They complained a data center would create environmental issues.

Most speakers were from Hoffman Estates, South Barrington or Barrington Hills. But independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett of Palatine, Democratic state Rep. Nabeela Syed of Inverness and Democratic candidate for state representative Maria Peterson of North Barrington were also drawn by the chorus of discontent.

South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie said her village and Hoffman Estates have had a long history of understanding that what happens in one community affects the other. She found the rezoning request out of sync with their mutual development of retail uses in that area.

“I’m not a resident of Hoffman Estates but we should be strategic partners,” McCombie said.

The full article can be found here.

Related: “Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project,” “Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials,” “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development“

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Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Data Center, Ethics, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, News Media, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Village Code on June 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Charlie De Mar | CBS News

After Naperville recently rejected a proposed data center in its community, the same company proposed a facility in Hoffman Estates, but their request for a zoning change was voted down by the village’s Plan Commission.

Most of the people who spoke at a nearly three-hour Hoffman Estates Plan Commission meeting on Wednesday opposed the project. In a 4-2 vote, the Plan Commission voted against rezoning the land sought for a new data center.

Construction is already underway at two data center sites in Hoffman Estates, and a data center developer has set its sights on a third facility. The company appeared before the Plan Commission, requesting to rezone the proposed site at Higgins Road and Route 59.

A packed meeting that spilled into the hallway was filled with residents who were overwhelmingly against the rezoning.

“They shouldn’t change zoning unless it benefits the community and it’s in the public interest, and I don’t believe that this is,” Meg Myalls said.

“This is not what the citizens want. We already have the other two data centers,” Doreen Gibrich said.

Lawmakers in Springfield didn’t have the votes during their spring session to approve new legislation that would restrict data center water and energy use in Illinois.

Report continues including video here.

Related: “Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials,” “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

 

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Hoffman Estates Plum Farm June 3rd Plan Commission Meeting Essentials

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cell Towers, Cellular Service, Cook, County, Data Center, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, OMA, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on June 2, 2026| 3 Comments »

Date/Time:     Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location:         1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates
Agenda Item:  “Rezoning from the C-MU (Commercial Mixed Use) and TN (Traditional Neighborhood) districts to the M-2 (Manufacturing) district for the property located north of Higgins Road between the Canadian National Railway and New Sutton Road (Plum Farms)”
Documents:

The agenda can be found here.

This meeting is not available via Zoom or YouTube. Written comments can be sent to PLANNING@HOFFMANESTATES.ORG or, of course, one can attend the hearing and speak.

Related: “After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

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