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Archive for the ‘Resident Surveys’ Category

Crafted By Nature

Posted in Country Magazine, Real Estate, Resident Surveys on April 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

At the top of the driveway, the entry court greets the visitor upon arrival. | Photography by Tony Soluri

By Ann Marie Scheidler | Country Magazine/JWC Media Group

After Dave McArdle purchased Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fredrick House in Barrington Hills, he tapped Mariani Landscape architect Tony Lobello to help revitalize the exterior. Lobello was thrilled.

“Dave truly has a passion for these projects, for Frank Lloyd Wright homes in particular,” Lobello explains. “I worked with Dave on another home in Barrington Hills that was designed by Faye Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Dave also owned and restored Wright’s F.B. Henderson House in Elmhurst, a home built in the early 1900s. I was excited when he reached out about this new project in Barrington Hills. The community is unique because of the large spans of oak trees, topography changes, and its many creeks. But this home has an interesting topography all its own, and a woodland space that isn’t typical for the area. It sits on one of the highest points in Cook County. How the house is situated on the property is also pretty masterful.”

McArdle wanted to define spaces around the home’s exterior because everything had become so overgrown. “There was no lawn, no gardens, no outdoor entertaining spaces—the woods had overtaken everything,” Lobello recalls. “The McArdles also wanted to add in some color, all while working within the Prairie-style architecture. People get up in arms if you take away from the master’s work, so we never wanted to lose sight of what the original vision for this landscape had been. Dave was very involved, very interested in the details. It really helps to get inspiration from the homeowner.”

Invasive scrubs like buckthorn, mulberries, box elders, and massive weeds were removed from where there is now lawn. | Photography by Tony Soluri

With renovation and restoration as his marching orders, Lobello got to work. The first order of business was clearing the land of overgrowth and addressing the drainage issues. After invasive plants like buckthorn, mulberries, box elders, and massive weeds were removed, a lawn was created.

Feature continues here.

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Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing Tuesday

Posted in Animal Welfare, Audio Recordings, Board of Health, Cook, County, ePacket agendas, Goat Rodeo, Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, New Normal?, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Hearing, Public Safety, Real Estate, Resident Surveys, Special Use Permits, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, WTF, Zoning Board on November 7, 2024| Leave a Comment »

PUBLIC HEARING Before the Zoning Board of Appeals Village of Barrington Hills Text Amendment – Adding Agricultural Experience to Special Uses, Section 5-5-3(A), R1 District.

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Barrington Hills at the Village Hall, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, Illinois, concerning an application filed by Chris Yamamoto, 315 Dundee Road, Barrington Hills, Illinois, which requests a text amendment to section 5-5-3(A) Special Uses, R1 District, of the Zoning Ordinance to include, in the list of Special Uses, Agricultural Experience.

A copy of the Zoning Ordinance and the text amendment application is available for examination by appointment at the office of the Village Clerk at the Village Hall (or by clicking HERE), weekdays during business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All interested parties are invited to attend the Public Hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Written comment on the proposed amendment, which will be provided to the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals but will not be part of the public record of the public hearing, will be accepted in the Office of the Village Clerk through 3:00 PM, November 8, 2024.

By: Village Clerk Village of Barrington Hills clerk@barringtonhills-il.gov  847-551-3000

Related: “August Board of Trustees meeting recording released,” “Village Board votes down ‘Agritourism as a Special Use’,” “Village Board of Trustees meet Monday,” “Sitting ducks,” “Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled Tuesday”

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Considerations before voting on District 220’s $64M Referendum

Posted in Associated Press, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Chicago Tribune, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, News Media, OP/Ed, Organizations, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Resident Surveys, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, Wirepoints on October 29, 2024| 1 Comment »

Two months ago, a headline in the Daily Herald read, “District 220 seeks $64 million tax hike for new auditorium, curriculum improvements.” The photo and caption appear above.

Straightforward, right?  Apparently not.

That’s clearly not the primary marketing message District 220 wanted to convey now.  In fact, a recent post by 220 lead with:

“A successful referendum in November will provide the district with an opportunity to further enhance safety and security at all Barrington 220 schools.”

There was no mention of an auditorium or curriculum improvement whatsoever.

Plus, a recent post on X mirrored that message:

Obviously, the highly paid 220 spin consultants have shifted their messages (featuring cheerleaders no less) to appeal to voters by diverting their attention, and we have issues with that.

However, we won’t go there.  Instead, aside from a few editorials and edited District 220 posts, The Observer would like to present the following objective headlines/stories since the last 220 election to refresh your memories…

“Our Atrium: the heart of nowhere” – Posted by The Barrington Hills Observer October 19, 2024, published by THE ROUNDUP, February 23, 2024

“What message are you spinning to taxpayers 220?” – The Barrington Hills Observer, October 17, 2024

“Politics for sale: Big money floods Illinois campaigns with few rules and little enforcement” – Chicago Tribune September 1, 2024

“District 220 seeks $64 million tax hike for new auditorium, curriculum improvements” – Daily Herald August 24, 2024

“How’s my community? Measures of how your piece of Illinois is doing.” – Illinois Policy Institute July 22, 2024

“The big myth that needs debunking: Illinois needs more money for education – Wirepoints Special Report” – May 25, 2024

(Click on graphic to enlarge)

“New 2023 School Report Cards reveal to parents Illinois’ dismal student outcomes“ – Wirepoints May 21, 2024

“Illinois has MORE educators, LESS students than ever, yet officials complain about a ‘teacher shortage’” – Wirepoints May 15, 2024

“One big reason it’s hard to track Illinois’ educational failures. Officials keep changing the standardized tests.” Wirepoints March 25, 2024

“Study: Illinois’ spending per student is one of highest in the country” – The Center Square February 28, 2024

“Why are Americans becoming more stupid? Our entire education system needs a revolution” – UnHeard February 26, 2024

“District 220 Board to form Referendum Advisory Committee in 2024“ District 220 update December 21, 2023

“District 220 Board approves estimated 2023 tax levy (6.3%)” – District 220 update on November 27, 2023

“220 Board plans to form referendum advisory committee to gain fine, visual & performing arts feedback” – District 220 update November 8, 2023

“Barrington School District teachers to get raise, more time for leave and parent-teacher conferences withnew union pact” – Pioneer Press November 6, 2023

“5 facts they don’t want you to know about Illinois’ 2023 student test results” – Wirepoints October 31, 2023

“North suburban homeowners seeing biggest property tax increase in 30 years, treasurer’s analysis finds” – Chicago Tribune October 30, 2023

“District 220 enrollment numbers continue to decline” – District 220 update October 18, 2023

“District 220 to offer ‘free’ full-day kindergarten” District 220 October 18, 2023

“ACT test scores for US students drop to new 30-year low” Associated Press October 11, 2023

“District 220 Board begins review of possibilities for new fine, visual & performing arts spaces at BHS (3 options)” District 220 update October 4, 2023

“Low 3rd-grade literacy is warning for future learning, earning potential” – Illinois Policy Institute October 2, 2023

“How Illinois public school measures fail to add up” – Illinois Policy Institute September 27, 2023

“New Illinois law ‘closes’ loophole to prevent sexual grooming of students” – The Center Square August 8, 2023

“New Illinois law allows ten (10) paid days off from teaching for union work” – Illinois Policy Institute June 16, 2023

“Over 4 of 5 Illinois law makers get money from Teachers Unions” – Illinois Policy Institute June 14, 2023

AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File

“Pritzker signs law stripping libraries that ban books from state funding” – The Center Square June 12, 2023

“Illinois has more graduates but with lower scores, fewer heading to college” Illinois Policy Institute June 1, 2023

“District 220’s private equity campaign” – The Barrington Hills Observer May 9, 2023

“New Board of Education sworn into office” – District 220 update May 4, 2023

“‘We have a lot of healing to do’: Incumbents hanging on in contentious Barrington 220 race” – Daily Herald April 6, 2023

Considering all of this, we have one question for voters: “What components in CUSD 220’s $64M Referendum actually addresses getting student’s education and scores back on track?”

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Illinois Early Voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out

Posted in Elections, Resident Surveys, Springfield on September 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

With 40 days until the election, Illinois residents can vote early at their local county clerks’ office. Vote-by-mail ballots should arrive soon, but there is still time to apply for one.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Sept. 26 marks the first day Illinois voters can start submitting their choices, as both early in-person voting begins and mail ballots are received and may be returned ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s on the ballot?

You’ll be voting for U.S. president, U.S. representative, Illinois state senator, Illinois state representative and some county leaders. Depending on where you live, there are races for Illinois Supreme Court justice, appellate judge, circuit judge and retention of some judges.

There are statewide advisory questions on election workers, in vitro fertility and increasing income taxes on some Illinoisans to provide property tax relief for others. There are also local questions ranging from public pension reform to tax increases. Chicago is electing 10 school board members.

When does early voting open?

Per the Election Code, Illinois voters may begin in-person voting Sept. 26, which is 40 days before the general election. The same date applies to voting by mail.

Who can vote by mail?

Under Illinois law, any registered Illinois voter can choose to vote by mail. Voters can click here to download a vote-by-mail registration form and should submit it to their local election authority.

What’s permanent vote by mail?

Voters can register to receive all their ballots in the mail for all elections. Voters can still vote in person but must take their mail ballot and surrender it to the election judges. Find more information about permanent vote-by-mail registration here.

How do I vote in person?

The first step to voting, either in person or using vote by mail, is to ensure you’re registered. Not sure if you’re registered? Click here.

Where can I vote early in person?

Illinois residents should contact their local county clerk’s office for information on early voting locations and permanent early voting locations or check the Illinois State Board of Elections early voting center location tool.

Important dates, deadlines

Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Last day for voter registration using mailed-in forms. Forms must be post-marked by Oct 8. Voters can still register online or in person at the polls. Voters should confirm with their county clerk’s office which polling places will accept same-day registration.

Sunday, Oct. 20 – Last day for online voter registration. Residents can register online at the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Thursday, Oct. 31 – Last day for vote-by-mail requests to be completed online or received by the election authority if mailed, emailed or delivered in person.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m.–7 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this date.

More here.

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Ribbon-cutting event being held Thursday for Longmeadow bridge

Posted in Algonquin Rd, BACOG, County, Deception, Don't Change Barrington Hills, Dumb and Dumber, Fat Bastard, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Kane, Land Use, Longmeadow Parkway, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, Resident Surveys, Road construction, Roads and Bridges, Save 5 Acres, SOS Party, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, Village President on August 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

A ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the completion of the Longmeadow Parkway Corridor and the opening of the new bridge that crosses the Fox River will be held Thursday. (Kane County)

By MIKE DANAHEY | Elgin Courier-News

The completion of the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event to be held at the Carpentersville bridge at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.

Years in planning and construction, the opening of the bridge is the last step in a significant development in Kane County infrastructure, “enhancing connectivity, improving
transportation efficiency and fostering economic growth,” a news release said.

The Longmeadow Parkway is a 5.6-mile stretch of road between Huntley Road and Route 62 that crosses through Carpentersville, Algonquin and Barrington Hills. Its centerpiece is the bridge that crosses over the Fox River.

Initially, the bridge was to be paid for with tolls but state legislators secured enough funding to cover the cost of construction bonds without requiring a user fee to pay for them. It is one of three regional bridges over the river in the northern Kane County area.

More here.

Related: “Recordings reveal 2006 Duda Property / Longmeadow Parkway ‘deal’”

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Been too long…

Posted in Conflict of interest, Land Use, Politics, Resident Surveys, Special Use Permits, Village Code, Village Government, Zoning Board on April 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »

It has been over a decade since this publication requested input from residents on matters of importance to our residents via surveys. The last time was in November of 2013 (seen here), and before that, in October of 2012 (seen here).

So, why have we decided it is time to solicit input from residents? It boils down to two reasons.

First, our Zoning Board of Appeals has spent a year discussing Village Code modifications that may affect all residents. Such modifications include:

Recreational Vehicle Regulations – This determines how many, “Recreational vehicles are defined as vehicles or trailers for recreational or utilitarian uses which can be driven, towed, sailed, hauled or flown,” one might store in the open on one’s property.

Renewable Energy – This is intended to establish guidelines for roof and ground mounted solar energy systems. Those systems might be solar, geothermal and/or wind based.

Solid Roof and Berm Height – The Zoning Board seems to be leaning toward increasing the maximum height of solid fences and berms from five feet to six feet. (The five-foot limit on solid fencing has been in place for as long as anyone can remember, and thus may explain why one rarely sees solid fences in Barrington Hills).

Drafts of these Code modifications can be viewed here.

Many believe the Zoning Board and the Board of Trustees would benefit from objective opinions from as many residents as possible before deciding on any code modifications.

The second purpose of a survey is to take the pulse of residents when it comes to our current Board of Trustees. The reasons are clear to us as well as numerous residents, and we will cite examples.

Outside of the current Village President, the maximum experience level of Trustees is three (3) years. One of those trustees has only physically attended five (5) regular board meetings in 2023.  And they were absent from five (5) meetings and attended remotely two (2) times.

Further, we understand the Trustee who is the Committee Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals has yet physically attended one of their meetings. We could go further, but it should be apparent now why residents might be interested in a new survey.

We hope to have the questions posted in a few weeks. In the meantime, please feel free to email any questions or suggestions to BHObserver@gmail.com.

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Judge grants ComEd 4 motion to postpone sentencing

Posted in Barrington Hills Polo Club, ComEd Four, News Media, Politics, Resident Surveys, Springfield on December 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

ComEd4

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square

A judge on Monday temporarily postponed sentencing dates for four former executives and lobbyists at the state’s largest utility company convicted of conspiring to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

The ComEd 4 had asked the judge to stay the case while the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a case that focuses on the federal bribery statute that the four were convicted under in May.

U.S. District Judge Manish Shah granted part of the defense team’s motion and denied another part at a motion hearing on Monday in Chicago. The judge struck the pending January sentencing dates for the four defendants and got rid of the deadlines for filing sentencing memos.

The pause won’t last forever.

“The parties are on notice to be prepared to file memoranda expeditiously once new dates are set,” according to the judge’s order. “The schedule for the preparation and filing of the remaining Presentence Investigation Reports remains as set.”

Last week, the defense attorneys asked for a blanket pause on the case because the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up a case that could affect the outcome. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of James E. Snyder v. U.S., which defense attorneys said could upend the ComEd convictions.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide the Synder case by June 2024.

More here.

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District 220 requests participation in a survey

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, BOHICA, Deception, District 220 referendum, Ethics, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Resident Surveys, School Districts, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on November 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

220 Survey

“In June 2023 the Barrington 220 Board of Education approved the district’s new strategic plan, Framework 220. The plan consists of six strategic priorities. One of the priorities is Community Partnerships & Communication.

Please take our 3-minute external communications survey.”

Their survey link can be found here.

Editorial note: When completing the survey, it appeared many of the questions are crafted to assist District 220 in preparing for their November, 2024 Referendum campaign strategies.

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, District 220 referendum, Entertainment, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Surveys, School Districts, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on November 7, 2023| Leave a Comment »

220 BOE 2324

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 7:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Topics on their agenda include:

  • Informational Reports (Seen here)
  • Consideration to Approve Revised Personnel Report (Seen here)
  • Motion and Approval of Resolution Authorizing Social Media Litigation
  • Motion to Approve Professional Development for B. Altshuler, L. Collister-Lazzari, E. Chan Ding, and D. Clopto (Only?)
  • Changes to 2024-25 Academic Calendar
  • Framework 220
  • School Improvement (See here), and
  • Fine, Visual, and Performing Arts Discussion*

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

* “District 220 Board plans to seek community feedback about new fine, visual & performing arts spaces at BHS”

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‘Relentless’ Barrington Hills Leader Encourages Local Kids

Posted in Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights, Resident Surveys, Topics Of Interest on October 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Tireless

Zein Bertacchi works tirelessly as a Barrington Hills non-profit to inspire local kids to use their talents for the good of the community. (Photo courtesy of Rishi Sethi)

By Jeff Arnold | Patch

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL — Without community leaders, Barrington Hills wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Rishi Sethi, a Barrington Hills reader who nominated Zein Bertacchi.

How do you know the community leader?

She is the co-founder of the Youth Volunteer Program at Chess Without Borders

What does the community leader do?

She raises funds by mentoring youth for local and global charities. Since 2000, she has raised over $220,000 for various charities.

Read more here.

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