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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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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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After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates

Posted in AI, BACOG, Daily Herald, Data Center, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington on June 1, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Hoffman Estates plan commissions Wednesday will hear will hear a request to rezone to manufacturing the 186-acre Plum Parms property northwest of Higgins Road and Route 59, potentially a third data center campus in the village. This view looks south towards Higgins Road, with Old Sutton Road at the center of the image. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

A company that saw its plans for a Naperville data center rejected in January is now looking to rezone the 186-acre Plum Farms property in Hoffman Estates.

The village’s plan commission will hear the rezoning request Wednesday.

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod announced at his state of the village address in February 2025 that Florida-based Karis Critical had bought the property at Higgins Road and Route 59 with an interest in developing the village’s third data center campus.

Now doing business as H.E. Holdings LLC, the property owner is currently only asking for a rezoning from the vacant site’s commercial mixed-use and traditional neighborhood classifications to manufacturing.

If the rezoning is approved, the owner plans to contract with a developer for a detailed proposal.

This news has sparked opposition from residents in nearby Barrington Hills. They have sent letters to the plan commissioners and to state representative Martin McLaughlin, a former Barrington Hills village president.

Article continues here.

Related: “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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South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Data Center, Ethics, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, IAA, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on May 29, 2026| 1 Comment »

“Dear Residents,

I have received emails from residents regarding the Village of Hoffman Estates Plan Commission meeting that is taking place next week.   They are holding a public hearing regarding a proposed rezoning request for M-2.

Sec. 9-9-2. – M-2 Manufacturing District.

A. Legislative Intent. The purpose of the M-2 Manufacturing District is to provide areas for a variety of industrial uses where major transportation networks provide accessibility. This district is intended to be developed in a manner which will minimize potential adverse influences to adjoining districts through the application of performance standards.

B. Permitted Uses.
1. Permitted uses of land or buildings, as hereinafter listed shall be permitted in the M-2 Manufacturing District under the conditions specified. No building or lot shall be devoted to any use other than a use permitted hereunder with the exception of the following:

a. Uses lawfully established on the effective date of this Code; and
b. Special uses allowed in accordance with the provisions of Section 9-9-2-C.
2. The following uses are permitted in the M-2 Manufacturing District:
a. Offices.
b. Research and development facilities.
c. Contractor and construction supply and shops conducted wholly within an enclosed building, including but not limited to plumbing, HVAC, roofing and electrical.
d. Accessory uses, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Antennas and communication towers.
(2) Architectural or landscaping embellishments, pools, fountains and bridges.
(3) Public utility installations and public service uses to include requirements for the furnishing of electricity, gas, oil, telephone and television services.
(4) Storage of building materials (during course of construction only).
(5) Temporary buildings for construction purposes only in accordance with the provisions of Section 9-3-10.
e. The following uses are permitted, however, when the property is adjacent to any residential development, the uses shall only be permitted provided all improvements on the M-2 property, including parking and other structures, are set back a minimum of 100 feet from the nearest residential property line:

(1) Wholesale and distribution facilities.
(2) Wholesale florist or greenhouses.
(3) Printing and publishing facilities.
(4) Manufacturing, production, processing, assembly, fabricating, cleaning, servicing and repairing of materials, goods and products.
(5) Mail order facilities.
(6) Packaging and crating facilities.
(7) Warehouses.
f. Data center.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday June 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Hoffman Estates Municipal Building, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, IL.

The request seeks to change the zoning of approximately 186 acres from CMU Commercial Mixed Use and TN Traditional Neighborhood to M-2 Manufacturing District. The property is generally located between Illinois Route 59 to the east, the Canadian National Railway to the west Higgins Road (Route 72) to the south and is across the street from the Woods of South Barrington.

Any residents interested in learning more or providing public comment should make plans to attend the meeting.”

Thank you Mayor McCombie!

Related: “(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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Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

Posted in AI, BACOG, Data Center, Elections, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Meeting Minutes, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Well Water Quality on May 26, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) is scheduled to meet this evening beginning at 6:00 PM at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, 23860 Old Barrington Road. Their meetings will include:

  • 6:00 PM – Finance
  • 6:40 PM – Nominations
  • 7:00 PM – Executive Board

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

Related: “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3”

 

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Kite Fest Saturday from 10AM – 12PM

Posted in Entertainment, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Politics on May 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Hanover Township, in partnership with Forest Preserves of Cook County and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, will be honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month by hosting a Kite Fest. This free event includes kite crafts, kite flying, nature activities, a bounce house, popcorn and snow cones.

The event partner, Brookfield Zoo, will also be bringing a surprise animal from their Animal Ambassador program.

***  Off-site parking at Streamwood High School with FREE shuttles to and from the event  ***

Carl R. Hansen Woods Forest Preserve (Sutton Road / Route 59, South of Shoe Factory Road, Hoffman Estates)

Email info@hanover-township.org for more information or call (630) 837-0301.

Source

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‘A unicorn event’: Allstate property could be annexed back into South Barrington ahead of redevelopment

Posted in Cook, County, Daily Herald, Hoffman Estates, Land Use, Plum Farm development, Property Taxes, Real Estate, South Barrington, Taxes on April 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The large, triangular property in the center of this photograph is at the southeast corner of Higgins and Bartlett roads, near South Barrington. It once was home to Allstate Corp.’s headquarters but has been vacant for years. A company wants to redevelop the land. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

In an unusual real-estate move, Allstate Corp. has requested South Barrington officials annex the site of its former headquarters — just a little more than a year after the company had the land legally disconnected from the suburb.

South Barrington’s attorney, James Vasselli, said he’s never before heard of a property owner having land excised from a municipality only to turn around and later request annexation.

“(It’s) a unicorn event,” Vasselli said.

The annexation is proposed ahead of a potential redevelopment of the roughly 67-acre site, which is on the southeast corner of Higgins and Bartlett roads. A Rosemont company called the Opus Group wants to purchase the site and construct a light-industrial complex.

The proposal is similar to the one Texas-based Hillwood Development Co. put forth in 2022. Allstate petitioned for disconnection the following year, and it was granted by a Cook County judge in February 2025.

But Hillwood is out of the picture now, and the Opus Group has a contract to purchase the land, Vasselli said.

“One door closes, another door opens,” he said.

The Allstate property is just north of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and across the Higgins/Bartlett intersection from the sprawling Arboretum of South Barrington shopping center. The South Barrington Office Center is to its east.

Article continues here.

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7 things to know about Illinois data centers

Posted in AI, Ethics, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Policy Institute, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Disconnection, Land Use, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency on March 2, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The state’s data center boom is reshaping energy, water use and taxes. Here’s what residents should know about the costs, jobs and incentives involved.

By Brennan Park | Illinois Policy Institute

Data centers are expanding across Illinois amid the tech industry’s rising demand for cloud computing. Supporters say the facilities bring investment and jobs, while critics worry about rising energy costs, environmental effects and tax incentives.

Illinois lawmakers are considering passing more stringent regulations on the growth and operation of data centers, with bills recently introduced in the House and Senate. These bills would require “hyperscale” data centers to expand renewable energy and “strengthen equity, transparency, and labor standards in clean energy initiatives,” among other new rules.

Here’s what every Illinoisan should know about the data center boom and tradeoffs the state makes to be a part of it.

1: Illinois is already a major data center hub, with the growth accelerating

Illinois boasts the fourth-highest number of data centers in the country, at 244 sites. That’s because the state provides much of what data center developers need: energy, environment and space.

These facilities need large amounts of reliable, clean electricity. They also require a cool, stable climate and ready access to water to prevent overheating. Illinois’ weather, rivers and proximity to Lake Michigan provide those conditions.

Flat land and industrial sites also make it easier and cheaper to build large-scale facilities. Illinois has a lot of both.

Most of the current development is concentrated in Chicago and its suburbs, with new projects from companies such as STACK Infrastructure, Prime Data Centers and Prologis.

Aurora is home to Prologis Project Steel, with 24 completed data center buildings, and Project Cardinal, with 14. Southern and central Illinois are also proving attractive. CyrusOne is slated to host a 600-megawatt data center campus in Springfield, one of the largest proposed in the state.

Article continues here.

Related: “110 Acre AI data center campus pitched to Village Board”

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