Posted in Community Alerts, DARCHED, EJ&E/Canadian National, Traffic on March 13, 2025| Leave a Comment »
“The Canadian National Railway will be completing emergency repairs to the U.S. Route 14 rail grade crossing to address the track structure. These repairs are unrelated to the U.S. Route 14 Grade Separation (underpass) project.
This work will require temporary lane closures tomorrow, Friday, March 14, from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flaggers will be on-site to assist with traffic control. Please use caution and consider alternate routes during this time.”
Posted in DARCHED, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on December 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »
By Sam Barnes | 100.9 The Eagle
How do you know if a place has the proper Christmas spirit? A good indication would be dozens of inflatable Christmas decorations lining nearly every street which is what has made one Illinois town famous.
I first saw this mentioned on the Illinois sub-Reddit. It’s Illinois streets lined with inflatable Santa Claus, trees, snowmen and Grinches.
I did some digging and learned this is Barrington, Illinois where Fox 32 Chicago talked to the residents about how this inflatable Christmas trend got started.
It’s impressive that each street has embraced a theme. One has numerous Santa Claus inflatables while others have trees and snowmen.
If your town in Illinois is going to be known for something, let it be something like this. There are worse reasons to make the news other than inflatable Christmas decorations that make the children happy.
More here.
Posted in DARCHED, Politics, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on November 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »
By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
Barrington village trustees gave the green light Monday for a new 110,400-square-foot Porsche dealership on the Motor Werks campus, despite objections from its neighbors.
However, trustees said no to red LED lights required by Porsche on the new building. A Motor Werks representative said that could pose a problem for the project at the corner of Dundee Road and Grove Avenue.
Motor Werks of Barrington received village approval Monday for a new Porsche dealership, but a request to add red LED lights on the new building has been rejected. | Courtesy of Barrington
The board’s approval followed a long review process involving both the village’s plan and architectural review commissions. Neighbors from surrounding subdivisions packed those hearings, arguing that the new facility would aggravate existing problems with car-carrying trucks, test drives and traffic.
The plan commission ultimately recommended a scaled-down plan for campus expansion, eliminating a parking deck with accessory restaurant and retail uses from the initial proposal.
The village board gave way on one of the issues, permitting the vehicle display instead of recommended landscape screening.
Motor Werks attorney Betsy Gates-Alford warned that the elimination of the red lights — which neighbors said would be intrusive — could lead Porsche to seek other locations.
“The red LED lighting aspect is part of Porsche’s branding and design,” she said. “This is a design requirement that Porsche has, and that they would require Motor Werks to commit to for the construction of the new building.”
Read more here.
Posted in DARCHED, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on November 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Village of Barrington President Karen Darch
Season of Gratitude and Community Spirit
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for this vibrant and caring community we are fortunate to call home. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives—especially the gift of family, friends and the connections we share. It’s also a reminder of how important it is to take time to celebrate and appreciate those around us.
This season, let’s also remember those in need. The Village is hosting several donation drives to support local families, and I encourage you to participate in these efforts. Your generosity can make a real difference in someone’s life and help ensure everyone in our community has a joyful holiday. Information on ways to help is detailed below.
The holidays in Barrington are a special time, and we have several events planned that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. One of the highlights is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Barrington. This beloved tradition is a time for families and friends to gather in the heart of our Village, enjoy festive music and family-friendly activities, and visit with Santa. In addition, you won’t want to miss the wonderful cultural events taking place through the end of the year at Barrington’s White House. See the articles below for more information.
I am pleased to announce a new holiday shopping promotion that starts today. When you spend $200 or more at Barrington retail stores, you’ll receive a $50 gift card* to a local restaurant of your choice. This is a great way to support our local businesses and enjoy a delicious meal at one of Barrington’s many fantastic restaurants. By supporting our local merchants, you’re helping to ensure the continued success of Barrington, while also enjoying a unique and personalized shopping experience.
On behalf of the Village of Barrington, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyous start to the holiday season. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
Karen Darch
Village President
Posted in 220, BCFPD, DARCHED, Elections, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, VBHPD on November 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Barrington Motor Werks (top) wants to expand to the undeveloped lot on the south side of Route 68 across from the business. | John Starks
By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
A proposed expansion of the Barrington Motor Werks campus made its way before the village board Monday, as did neighbors complaining about the project.
Motor Werks owner Mario Murgado wants to add a two-story, 110,000-square-foot, two-story building at the corner of Dundee Road and Grove Avenue for a Porsche dealership.
But residential neighbors are opposed, complaining the campus is already too loud and busy.
Mario Murgado addresses the Barrington Village Board Monday night, including Trustee Jennifer Wondrasek. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com
Neighbors argued for berms and different landscaping to deaden noise and lights created by the dealership.
Residents continued to raise concerns about test-driven vehicles and the propensity of drivers of car-carrying trucks parking along Grove and Dundee and pulling into their neighborhood so they can back into Motor Werks.
“I am willing to do things to help you, to accommodate you,” Murgado said. “But at the same time, it is a business.”
The village’s plan commission approved of the Porsche expansion, but recommended conditions. Those included 24-hour site management and limitations on lighted signage.
More here.
Posted in 220, BACOG, DARCHED, District 220 referendum, Elections, Frau Blücher, Politics, School Districts on November 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »
By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
Barrington officials dished out a heaping helping of positivity about the village this week to an audience of brokers, developers, potential tenants, property owners and managers in an effort to promote economic growth.
“Now is the time to be in Barrington,” Village President Karen Darch told the group at Tuesday’s “Be in Barrington” breakfast at the Barrington White House.
The village is hoping to see the former McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington reoccupied soon. | Daily Herald file photo
Village Manager Anderson touted the village’s economic position, highlighting Barrington Aa1 bond rating.
“AAA, the top of the rung, is really reserved for larger communities,” he said. “We’re a stutter step off of that.”
Anderson recapped some additions to the economic landscape — restaurants like Epic Burger, GiGi’s Wine Bar & Bistro, and significant movement in the automotive sector, including the relocation of the Cadillac dealership to the Motor Werks campus.
He mentioned the addition of 156 residential units within the past seven years, the most recent being a 15-unit condo building on Glendale Avenue.
Car condos will be part of a mixed-use development in Barrington’s “Golden Triangle.” | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com
Deputy Village Manager Marie Hansen outlined developments on the horizon. They include The Nest, a state-of-the-art child care facility opening this year at 310 E. James St., as well as eight luxury rowhomes at 150 Washington St. Also, a Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins drive-through will be relocating and opening at 306 W. Northwest Highway.
Read more here.
Related: “Barrington approves TIF for the ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Barrington moves closer to TIF for ‘Golden Triangle’,” “MotorCave Suites: For-sale personal auto museum showrooms and entertainment Spaces for Chicago area collectors,” “Barrington village manager gets 12.5% pay hike,” “Barrington-area leaders tout growth at annual economic summit,” “Barrington pins high hopes on Golden Triangle development,” “Luxury apartments, restaurants. What Barrington might do with its ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Apartments, storage for high-end cars proposed for downtown Barrington”
Posted in Barrington Area Library, DARCHED, IDOT, Politics, Road construction, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on October 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Village of Barrington President Karen Darch
Exciting Infrastructure Milestones Ahead: Route 14 Underpass, Park Avenue Plaza & More!
“I am thrilled to share some exciting updates about key infrastructure projects that will significantly enhance our Village and its future.
Route 14 Underpass Project
Our long-anticipated Route 14 underpass project has taken a great leap forward! We’ve reached an important milestone as the state has set the letting date for Nov. 8, 2024, when contractor bids will be opened. It marks a critical step in enhancing safety and improving traffic flow in our community. The positive impact of this project will benefit emergency responders, pedestrians and drivers alike.
Park Avenue Plaza Design & Paver Enhancements
The Village is finalizing design plans for Park Avenue between Cook Street and Station Street to transform the upper roadway and parking into a vibrant gathering space for families and visitors. This new plaza will feature paved and turf areas thoughtfully designed to accommodate daily passive use and special events. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to support neighboring businesses by incorporating space for outdoor dining patios, creating an inviting atmosphere under twinkling string lights. Once completed, this project will provide an additional amenity for our residents and the business community to enjoy.
In tandem with the Park Avenue project, the Village has initiated paver removals with our Public Works team as part of a broader effort to enhance the streetscape in the Village Center. Next year, we plan to begin construction to replace the existing pavers, incorporating large, raised planter beds and clay brick accents. These improvements are specifically designed to address long-term maintenance concerns while enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the downtown area. Materials and design selections for this project will coordinate with those of Park Avenue, creating a cohesive and beautiful public space.
Infrastructure improvements have always been a top priority for our Village, and we’re excited to see these major projects come to fruition. These efforts are designed to not only improve safety and accessibility but also to enhance the beauty and functionality of core parts of our community, ensuring they serve our residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.
Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with these transformative projects, shaping a safer and more vibrant future for our Village.”
Karen Darch
Village President
Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Clown Car, DARCHED, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »
The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:
A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.
Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, DARCHED, Entertainment, Organizations, Politics, Topics Of Interest on October 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »
The Village of Barrington posted the following last night of Facebook:
“Don’t miss the fun events happening in Barrington tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 5!
𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Memorial Park (Hough St. & Lincoln Ave.)
Bring the family for pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, face painting, balloon artistry, music by Bob the DJ, and more! Free hot dogs and chips while supplies last.
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻! 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲
2 p.m. – Barrington’s White House (145 W. Main St.)
Meet nearly 30 plein air artists and view their creations at this free event. For more details, visit www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: Barrington’s White House is a stop on the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC)‘s Fall Wine Walk! For tickets, visit www.barringtonchamber.com.”
Tickets are still available at the time of this posting.
Posted in Cook, County, DARCHED, Elections, Frau Blücher, Land Use, Politics, Real Estate, Taxes, Traffic on September 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »
A rendering of the Porsche dealership proposed on the Motor Werks of Barrington campus. | Courtesy of the Village of Barrington
The Village of Barrington Plan Commission will be holding a special meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM at Barrington’s White House – 3rd Floor at 145 W. Main Street. The primary topic on their agenda is:
PC 24‐02: 1475 S. Barrington Road, 18 E. Dundee Road, 20 E. Dundee Road; (PINs: 01-12-400-001) and E. Dundee Road (inventory parking lot) – Continued Public Hearing
The Petitioner is seeking approval of a special use planned development amendment for the construction of two (2) new car dealership/service centers, an addition to the main dealership building and a standalone parking structure as well as related site improvements including but not limited to parking, lighting, landscaping, signage, etc.
The agenda can be viewed and downloaded here
Related: “Barrington gearing up for more discussion of Motor Werks expansion,” “Barrington neighbors push back on Motor Werks car dealership’s efforts to expand,” “Neighbors give Barrington auto dealership proposal the works (Werks),” “Barrington neighbors blast plan for Porsche dealership,” “Motor Werks looking to expand in Barrington”
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