Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Daily Herald’ Category

‘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.

Read Full Post »

Egg hunts offered for kids, dogs and adults across the suburbs

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment on March 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald staff report

Grab your baskets and get ready to hunt for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny at events across the suburbs.

Saturday, March 21

Adult Egg Hunt: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at Berens Park baseball fields, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. Adults 18 and older can hunt for eggs filled with treats. Food trucks and raffle. Free, but registration is required. epd.org.

Bunny Burrow Express: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays, March 21, 28 and April 4, at Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin. Take a ride to the Easter Bunny’s “secret burrow” in vintage antique trolley cars, where there will be plenty of hidden eggs to find. All the little ones will receive a basket of their own to collect any magical eggs that are found. $30 per person. Approximately 75- minute ride. Boarding from Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. Advance tickets: foxtrolley.org.

Friday, March 27

Kids Mermaid Egg Hunt: 6-7 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Lakeview Fitness, 700 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Kids 8-12 can hunt for eggs in the pool. Bring a waterproof basket or bag. $3-$4. vhparkdistrict.org.

Bubbly Bunny Egg Hunt: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Adults-only flashlight egg hunt. Eggs will be filled with raffle tickets, candy and special prizes. Light snacks and beverages before the hunt. Dress for the weather. $20-$35 Register: gepark.org.

Flashlight Egg Hunt: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St., West Chicago. Flashlight egg hunt at Reed-Keppler Park, then head to the ARC Center to redeem your eggs for prizes and visit with the Bunny. $10-$12 or $13 day of. Register: we-goparks.org.

Flashlight Egg Hunt: 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Randall Oaks Park, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Kids 9-14 should bring a flashlight and a bag to gather eggs filled with candy and prizes. There will be s’mores by the bonfire. $10-$15. Register: dtpd.org.

Saturday, March 28

Kids can search for eggs at Windy Acres Farm in Geneva. “Springtime at Windy Acres” returns March 28-29 and April 3-4. Shaw Media, April 7, 2023

Springtime at Windy Acres: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, and Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at Windy Acres Farm, 37W446 Fabyan Pkwy., Geneva. Visit the Easter Bunny, baby petting zoo animals and Choo-Choo Express. Egg hunt is at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Doughnut decorating class and kids’ flower classes all day. $15 for kids and $7 for adults. Tickets: windyacresfarmstand.com.

Geneva Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt: Seatings at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Persinger Rec Center gym, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Pancake breakfast sponsored by Buttermilk and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Bring your camera. Free egg hunt follows at 10 a.m. outside. $7 or $10 for nonresidents. Register: genevaparks.org.

Breakfast with the Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Barrington Park District, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington. A catered breakfast followed by an egg hunt. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline: March 21. $20-$25 per child, $15-$19 per adult. barringtonparkdistrict.org.

Doggie Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Hartmann Park, 292 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills. Dogs can hunt for eggs filled with treats. Each dog must be leashed and registered by an adult 18 or older. $3-$4. vhparkdistrict.org.

Dundee Township Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, at Randall Oaks Recreation Center outdoor field, 500 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. For kids 2-8. Space is limited; preregistration is required. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. If it rains, the hunt will move inside at Randall Oaks Recreation Center. $5-$9. Register: dtpd.org/egg-hunts.

60th annual Easter egg hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Designated egg hunt areas for kids 9 or younger. Bring baskets. Arrive 15 minutes early. Each child is limited to 10 eggs. Rain or shine. stcparks.org.

Kids can look for eggs and then explore the Arlington Heights Historical Museum Saturday, March 28. Daily Herald file photo, March 2024

Community Egg Hunt Extravaganza: Time slots available at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon Saturday, March 28, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Kids 10 and younger can search the museum grounds for treat-filled eggs. After the egg hunt, explore the museum with a scavenger hunt, make a craft and take a picture with the Bunny. Registration required. $4-$10. ahpd.org.

Doggie Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at South Paw Dog Park, 129 W. National, West Chicago. Dogs can search for hidden, treat-filled eggs scattered throughout the park. Prizes, games, and activities for pups and their owners. Registration ends March 23. $8-$10. Register: we-goparks.org/special-events.

Doggie Eggs-travaganza: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Canine Corner Dog Park, 0S761 Old York Road, Elmhurst. Dogs can hunt for treat-filled eggs hidden throughout the park. Dogs who discover a “Golden Egg” will win a special prize basket. All dogs must be accompanied by a person at least 16 years old. Free, but registration is required at epd.org.

Hampshire Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. sharp Saturday, March 28, by the courts at Seyller Park, 400 E Jefferson St., Hampshire. Hosted by the Hampshire Township Park District and Ella Johnson Memorial Library. Arrive early to watch the Easter Bunny arrive on the Hampshire Fire Protection District fire engine at 9:45 a.m. Then line up on the walking path to hunt for eggs. Afterward, take a photo and visit with the Bunny in the community room. Kids’ games and activities on the courts. Lunch will be available from Waffadilla. Free; no registration required. facebook.com/hampshireparkdistrict.

Hanover Township’s “Hoppin’ for Hanover”: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, at Izaak Walton Youth Center, 899 Jay St., Elgin. Free egg hunts by age groups: ages 2-4 from 10:30-10:45 a.m.; 5-7 from 11-11:15 a.m.; and age 8-10 from 11:30-11:45 a.m. Bring a bag or basket. Games, pictures with the Bunny and crafts will be offered during each session. Registration is not required. Donate canned goods for the township’s food pantry. For information, call (847) 888-8329.

Meet the Easter Bunny at the Grayslake Easter Egg Hunt March 28 at the Aquatic Football/Soccer Field in Central Park. Daily Herald file photo, March 2023

Grayslake Easter Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Aquatic Football/Soccer Field in Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake. Egg hunt with separate zones for age groups ranging from 1-10. Registration deadline: March 21. $7-$9. glpd.com.

Doggie Egg Hunt: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at River Bend Community Park, 6N517 Geneva Ave., St. Charles. $5 per dog. Dogs can hunt for eggs filled with treats and prizes. All dogs must be on a nonretractable leash (max 6 feet), current on all vaccinations, wearing tags, and accompanied by at least one person 16 or older. Several pet vendors will be on-site. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Sunday, March 29

Bunny Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Take a photo with the Easter Bunny, who will be visiting between 9:30 a.m. and noon and 1-4 p.m. Plus, take a scenic hayride through the park and play spring games. Zoo admission rates apply. dtpd.org.

Swimming for Eggs: 2-3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Rakow Center Indoor Pool, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville. Kids ages 1 to 12 can hunt for eggs in the pool; bags supplied. Check-in 15 minutes before the event begins. The event will start promptly. Your child should be poolside, wearing swimming attire, and ready to go. $5-$9. Register: dtpd.org.

Pool Egg Hunt: Time slots at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Kids 2-7 can visit the Easter Bunny and collect candy-filled eggs in the Family Activity Pool. Bags are provided. Kids younger than 4 must be accompanied in the water by an adult. $13-$16. ahpd.org.

Thursday, April 2

Springtime Glow-up Game Night and Flashlight Egg Hunt: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Persinger Rec Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Team up or go solo in a Jumbo Screen Video Game Tournament and compete for prizes. Then grab a flashlight and hunt for glowing eggs. Includes music and snacks. $10 or $15 for nonresidents. Register: genevaparks.org.

Twilight Egg Hunt: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Lippold Park Boncosky Fields, 851 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with games, food trucks and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, followed by staggered egg hunts for kids 3-11 starting at 7 p.m. Participants must bring their own flashlight and basket. Held rain or shine. Free. crystallakeparks.org.

Grayslake Flashlight Egg Hunt: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Alleghany Park, 31999 N. Alleghany Road, Grayslake. Hunt for eggs filled with candy, toys and prizes outside in the dark. Participants must bring flashlights and baskets. Register by March 26. $7 for residents, $9 for nonresidents. glpd.com.

Friday, April 3

Kids, age 5 or under, can join in spring-themed activities as part of Glen Ellyn Park District’s Eggs-traordinary Egg Hunt on Friday, April 3, at Maryknoll Park in Glen Ellyn. Courtesy of Glen Ellyn Park District

Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt: 9-9:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Open to individuals with special needs of all ages. Follow an accessible trail in search of colored eggs, nonfood goodies and allergen-free prizes. The hunt will feature smaller crowds, low noise volumes and a quiet zone. $10-$15. Register: gepark.org

Easter Egg Scavenger “Hunt-ley”: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 3, starting at the Huntley Area Chamber, 1 Union Special Plaza, Huntley. This family-friendly adventure takes participants on a route through local businesses to solve clues and win prizes. Plus, photos ops with the Easter Bunny. $5 per child. Register: huntleychamber.org.

Dog Egg Hunt: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Hoffman Park on West Main Street, Cary. Pups can hunt for eggs at the dog park, with small dogs hunting from 5:30-6 p.m. and medium to large dogs hunting from 6:30-7 p.m. Owners must stay with their dogs and should bring a basket and a camera for photos with the Bunny. $7 per dog. carypark.com

Flashlight Egg Hunt and Hike: 6-7:45 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. All ages can join in a hike through the natural area. Bring a flashlight and basket. $12. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Pooched Pictures with the Bunny: 6-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at municipal annex, 1 W. State St., South Elgin. Bring a camera for photos with your dog. Free. Register for a time slot: southelgin.com

Easter Candy Hunt Under the Stars: 8-9 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Lions Park softball fields, Silver Lake Road north of 3 Oaks Road, Cary. Kids can hunt for candy and golden eggs with prizes inside. Bring a flashlight and a basket. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures. $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. carypark.com.

Saturday, April 4

Spring Egg-Stravaganza: 7:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, Chicago. Egg hunts for kids 1-8 across six zones of varying difficulty. Tickets include unlimited rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure, plus face painting, music, photos with the Easter Bunny, animal chats with zoo experts and the Bunny Parade. $25 or $20 for members. Register: lpzoo.org.

Elmhurst Park District Egg Hunt: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. Food trucks, yard games and visits with the Easter Bunny. Kids 2-10 can search the fields for eggs; adults must accompany participants. Free. Register for a time slot. epd.org.

No just one, but two Easter bunnies were part of the Long Grove Bunny Hop on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Long Grove. This year’s event takes place April 4. Daily Herald file photo, March 2024

Long Grove Bunny Hop: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Hosted by Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, the Bunny Trail features treat-filled eggs at participating stops, photos with the Easter Bunny, fire truck tours with local first responders, face painting and coloring stations, and festive photo opportunities throughout downtown. Bunny Trail maps available at event tents. Free. longgrove.org/festival/bunny-hop

Palatine Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, outdoors at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road in Palatine. Over 3,000 Easter eggs for kids to find, which they can exchange for a goodie bag of candy. Children up to age 9 invited. Also, arts and crafts, music, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts will occur approximately every 20 minutes. Registration is available on the day-of, but they recommend preregistration by noon March 30 via tinyurl.com/PalJayceesEggHunt.

Sleepy Hollow Service Club Easter Egg Hunt: noon Saturday, April 4, at Sabatino Park, 145 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. The event features several age categories, including a special needs group, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate. Children will scramble to find eggs left by the Easter Bunny, with some containing tickets for grand prizes. The Easter Bunny also will pose for pictures. Every participant will leave with the candy from their collected eggs and a few extra candy bars. Free. sleepyhollowil.org

Find more here.

Read Full Post »

Lake County clerk’s office changes Lake Barrington polling place

Posted in County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Politics on March 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald Reportb Posted March 16, 2026 7:56 pm

Due to an ongoing gas leak resulting in no heat at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, it will not serve as an Election Day polling place on Tuesday, March 17, officials announced Monday.

Voters are encouraged to use the polling sites closest to them:

“Health and safety are our utmost priorities for our election judges and voters. I thank our partners at Lake Barrington Village Hall for their efforts to find a viable solution in a very short period of time. I also want to thank Lake County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance,” Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said.

Voters can confirm their polling location, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Lake County Clerk’s Office website or calling the office at (847) 377-2410.

Read Full Post »

Barrington Golden Triangle developers: Multifamily development can handle traffic

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, EJ&E/Canadian National, Land Use, METRA, Real Estate, School Districts, Transparency, U.S. Route 14 Underpass on March 11, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Rendering of The Residences at Liberty Commons | Courtesy of the Barrington Development Co.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Developers aiming to build a $100 million residential complex at Barrington’s Golden Triangle addressed village trustees’ concerns about traffic, while also emphasizing the need to fast-track the project.

The proposal for The Residences at Liberty Commons calls for 16 studio apartments, 119 one-bedroom, 66 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom and 16 townhouses (223 units).

Michael Fleck and Nick Marrocco of the Barrington Development Co. told trustees Monday they will have their traffic consultant, KLOA, conduct a full traffic study of the area, which is already clogged with traffic.

“I think our interests are definitely aligned here,” Fleck said. “We want to make sure that the development is good for Barrington, good for the residents and no further burden.”

Fleck said the overall conclusion of an initial study is the development, bounded by Liberty, Hough and the railroad tracks, will have a modest effect on the surrounding street network.

Fleck noted the development’s location is less than a half-mile from the Barrington Metra station.

Article continues here.

Related: “New residential development floated for Barrington’s Golden Triangle”

Read Full Post »

Barrington plans to borrow $1.6 million for streetscape improvements

Posted in Daily Herald, Topics Of Interest on March 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Streetscape enhancements in downtown Barrington the intersection of Cook and Station streets. | Courtesy of Barrington/Kimley-Horn

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington officials updated the village board Monday with a plan to borrow $1.6 million to fund phase one of the village’s downtown streetscape improvement plan.

Aaron Gold of Speer Financial Group spoke before the board, telling trustees the funds could be secured late next month.

Deputy Village Manager Marie Hansen said work on the first phase on Station Street between Hough Street and Grove Avenue and Cook Street between Main and Lake streets, as well as a portion of Park Avenue, will begin later this month or early next.

The scope of work includes the removal of pavers, installation of new sidewalks and clay brick accents, relocation of the trash enclosure on Station Street and enhanced landscaping throughout.

Hansen said the entire project, including the second phase at Main and Hough streets, is likely to cost $3.5 million.

Article continues here.

Read Full Post »

Barrington area Democrats condemn Chan Ding mailers

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Dumb Bunny, Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on February 28, 2026| 3 Comments »

Erin Chan Ding, left, and Maria Peterson are Democratic candidates for the Illinois House 52nd District seat in the 2026 primary election.

By Steve Zalusky  | Daily Herald

The Barrington Area Democratic Organization condemned attack mailers from Erin Chan Ding’s campaign for the Democratic nod in the Illinois House 52nd District primary.

The mailers altered opponent Maria Peterson’s image, placing her head on another person’s body. They also included the phrase, “When Maria Peterson runs, MAGA wins,” along with a list of her past election losses.

“These tactics do not reflect the values of our organization or the spirit of Democratic leadership in our community,” organization officials stated in a press release.

Chan Ding and Peterson are competing to challenge incumbent Republican Martin McLaughlin in the fall election. Peterson narrowly lost to McLaughlin by 47 votes in 2024 and lost by 385 votes to Republican Dan McConchie in 2022.

Peterson called the mailers “Chicago-style politics” that don’t “fit very well out here.”

Chan Ding countered, claiming Peterson distributed an attack ad first in January that “went after my character.” Chan Ding is a Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board member who was criticized by colleagues after an investigation determined she had violated district policies by using school resources, property and social media for prohibited political campaign activities.

Article continues here.

Related: “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “District 220 Public Hearing December 16th re: ‘proposal to sell bonds of the District in an amount not to exceed $5,400,000’,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Read Full Post »

‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning

Posted in BACOG, Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Dinky, Land Use, Lennie, Plan Commission, Politics, Press Release, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, South Barrington, Springfield, Zoning Board on February 26, 2026| 1 Comment »

Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills spoke out against Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control of residential zoning rules Thursday during a news conference in South Barrington. Flanking him are Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine, left, and South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

By Russell Lissau | Daily herald

Saying it will increase public safety and infrastructure costs and change the aesthetics of their communities, leaders of several Northwest suburbs gathered Thursday to oppose Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to reduce local officials’ ability to control residential construction.

The proposed changes, which Pritzker unveiled during his recent State of the State address, address minimum lot sizes, residential density rules, parking requirements, inspections and other aspects of residential construction. They could increase development of apartments, condominiums, two-flats and other types of multifamily housing.

They also could allow homeowners to build additional, free-standing residential buildings on lots designed for single-family homes. Pritzker dubbed the plan Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD.

During a news conference Thursday, South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie urged legislators to reject Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed zoning reforms. Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin listens. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

In a news conference at her community’s village hall, South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie urged state legislators to reject the package of bills that comprise Pritzker’s plan, some of which already have been introduced. Zoning regulations exist to support property owners, McCombie said, and these proposed changes would “strip away that local control.”

The minimum residential lot in nearby Barrington Hills — an upscale community where many residents keep horses on their properties — is five acres, and the land is full of riding trails. Forcing the village board to allow smaller lots or multifamily housing “will destroy our town,” Village President Brian Cecola said (Wow! He actually showed up!).

Article continues here.

Related: “McLaughlin and Local Mayors to Discuss Pritzker’s Zoning Proposals Coming to Local Government Thursday”

Read Full Post »

New residential development floated for Barrington’s Golden Triangle

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, EJ&E/Canadian National, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts on February 24, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Rendering of The Residences at Liberty Commons | Courtesy of the Barrington Development Co.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington’s Golden Triangle could be the site for another large residential development.

Michael Fleck and Nick Marrocco of the Barrington Development Co. unveiled the concept for The Residences at Liberty Commons before village trustees Monday night.

The proposal for the estimated $100 million project comes as another portion of Barrington’s Redevelopment Area #1, also known as the Golden Triangle, will undergo a facelift with a retail and residential project in the works by Joe Taylor III of Compasspoint Development.

Fleck and Marrocco, who founded Gateway Development Partners in 2012, have assembled eight parcels near the corner of Liberty and Hough streets.

The proposed site plan for The Residences at Liberty Commons | Courtesy of the Barrington Development Co.

“I really love this community. It’s wonderful. The schools are great, but I think there could be some more vibrancy to downtown,” Fleck said.

“We need to bring some density and multifamily to support the downtown area,” he said, emphasizing the transit-oriented nature of the project.

It is a half mile from the train station and within walking distance of downtown.

Article continues here.

Read Full Post »

District 220 board reverses decision to buy properties for parking

Posted in 220, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Deception, District 220 referendum, Land Use, Letters to the Editor, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on December 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Courtesy Google Maps (Click on image to enlarge)

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board voted 4-3 Tuesday to reverse its August decision to purchase four properties for parking expansion at Barrington High School.

School board members had unanimously approved buying lots at 502, 506 and 510 W. Main St. and 112 N. Hager Ave. to meet parking needs resulting from a 2024 referendum for school improvements, including a new auditorium.

However, residents from the Walnut Grove neighborhood located next to the high school organized opposition after learning of the purchase.

The residents expressed concern about preserving the scale and character of a neighborhood containing homes dating back to the Great Depression. They said they were also worried about the impact of demolishing three homes, including the elimination of affordable housing.

In addition, they were concerned about property values and being vulnerable to future expansion by the district, suggesting the district reconfigure portions of its buildable land.

Board President Sandra Ficke-Bradford and members Leah Collister-Lazzari and Barry Altshuler opposed reconsidering.

Altshuler worried about precedent, saying, “If we sign a contract and then we don’t go through with it as an organization, that’s not a good thing.”

He added that the properties would have improved safety and security for students and warned that the high school would lose parking during auditorium construction.

Read the full story here.

Related: “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “Paving paradise?: Historic Barrington neighborhood opposes District 220’s plan to buy land for parking”

Read Full Post »

School district’s parking plan defies logic

Posted in 220, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Deception, District 220 referendum, Land Use, Letters to the Editor, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Transparency, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on December 10, 2025| 5 Comments »

Courtesy Google Maps (Click on image to enlarge)

Daily Herald Letter to the Editor

Barrington residents and students have asked District 220 for years to address the parking shortage at Barrington High School. The community has been clear: we need more parking, but we need a solution that makes sense.

Unfortunately, the school board’s current proposal defies logic.

The board has refused to consider a viable option that would create 216 parking spots at a cost of roughly $18,518 per stall. Instead, they are choosing to spend nearly $50,000 per stall to build just 40 spots by demolishing homes on North Hager Avenue and Main Street.

Why would the District choose to pay 2.5 times more for significantly less parking?

This proposal is not just fiscally irresponsible; it is destructive. It needlessly tears down attainable homes, uproots residents and erodes the historic character of Walnut Grove. School officials confirmed at the Dec. 2 board Meeting that cash reserves are available for the larger parking solution. There is no financial excuse for choosing the destructive path over the efficient one.

Barrington values thoughtful planning and stewardship. Tearing down historic homes for a small, overpriced parking lot undermines those values.

District 220 still has time to change course. We urge the board to listen to the more than 400 residents who have signed our petition. Choose the plan that expands parking meaningfully and uses taxpayer dollars responsibly — don’t destroy a neighborhood for 40 parking spots.

Margaret Van Duch
Barrington

Related: “Zoning change defies village policy,” “Paving paradise?: Historic Barrington neighborhood opposes District 220’s plan to buy land for parking”

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »