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Archive for the ‘METRA’ Category

Barrington approves TIF for the ‘Golden Triangle’

Posted in 220, BACOG, Cook, County, DARCHED, District 220 referendum, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on September 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Photo from Village of Barrington September 9th Facebook post.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington brought its new Tax Increment Financing District to the finish line Monday.

The village board approved the new TIF for the 10-acre “Golden Triangle” bounded by the Union Pacific and Canadian National Railway tracks, Hough Street and Liberty Street.

The board passed three ordinances related to the Liberty and Hough TIF, which will benefit a mixed-use development on the long dormant site.

The first approves the redevelopment project and plan. It adopts the findings by TIF consultant SB Friedman Development Advisors, LLC, especially the one maintaining the area has not developed through private investment and could not grow if not for the TIF.

The second ordinance designates the area and includes all the maps, legal descriptions and property identification numbers.

Finally, the third ordinance adopts TIF financing. A base equalized assessed value will be calculated, with taxes generated on value above that base deposited into a TIF fund to fund on-site infrastructure improvements.

Read more here.

Related: “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”

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“Barrington’s News You Can Use” by Karen Darch

Posted in 220, BACOG, EJ&E/Canadian National, Entertainment, METRA, Politics, School Districts, Topics Of Interest on September 20, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Village of Barrington President Karen Darch

Embracing Community Spirit and Safety Awareness

‘This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff event for Barrington’s White House fall season, featuring an incredible performance by Rachel Barton Pine and her daughter Sylvia, accompanied by Matthew Hagle. It was a phenomenal opening with a lovely crowd, enjoying the virtuoso talent that graced our town—a wonderful way to launch the season! For more cultural programming, please view the calendar below or visit Barrington’s White House website.

In other exciting news, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of David Daigle as our new Chief of Police for the Barrington Police Department. With over 30 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as Chief in Palatine, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to community-oriented policing. I am confident that he will uphold the high standards of safety and service our residents expect. Congratulations, Chief Daigle!

As we look ahead, did you know that Sept. 23-29 is Rail Safety Week? Recently, as part of District 220’s annual Safety Week, the Barrington Police Department shared important transportation safety tips, emphasizing railroad and crosswalk safety. I encourage everyone to watch the informative video produced by the district in the article below, featuring School Resource Officer Detective Eve Gaitan, who provides valuable insights on keeping our community safe.

Finally, Homecoming Weekend is quickly approaching, offering plenty to celebrate on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Village’s family-friendly Public Safety Open House kicks off the day at 9 a.m. at the Barrington Public Safety Facility. Following that, the parade begins at 10:15 a.m., taking its traditional route from Wool Street to Main Street and west toward Barrington High School. As the festivities continue, be sure to catch the football game later that day, where our currently undefeated Broncos will face Conant at 1 p.m. at Barrington High School. The Broncos have been exciting to watch this season, and I hope you’ll come out to support the team as they continue their quest for the playoffs.

With so much happening, it promises to be a fantastic week ahead filled with community spirit and connection!”

Karen Darch
Village President

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Barrington moves closer to TIF for ‘Golden Triangle’

Posted in 220, DARCHED, District 220 referendum, EJ&E/Canadian National, Elections, Frau Blücher, METRA, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 31, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Construction is underway near Liberty and Hough streets in Barrington on a mixed-use project that could benefit from TIF funds. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington’s proposed tax increment financing district for the long dormant Golden Triangle qualifies as a blighted area, a consultant told the village board this week.

Meanwhile, work is well underway on the development at 200-300 N. Hough St. that would benefit from TIF funding.

The village board is expected to consider the Liberty and Hough TIF District at its Sept. 23 meeting.

Geoff Dickinson, a partner with SB Friedman Development Advisors, LLC, an economic development consulting firm used by several suburban communities, told the village board at Monday’s hearing that the proposed Liberty and Hough TIF District would qualify as a blighted area.

Redevelopment of the 10-acre “Golden Triangle” area has been a priority of the village for more than 20 years. The cost of consolidating property and environmental cleanup requirements have stalled redevelopment.

Car condos will be part of a mixed-use development in Barrington’s “Golden Triangle.” | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

Now, however, Barrington resident Joe Taylor III of Compasspoint Development is developing the site with 125 apartment units, approximately 13,000-square-feet of restaurant and retail and the MotorCave Auto Suites, a space for car enthusiasts to keep and display their vehicles.

Construction is already underway, and OKW Architects, the project architect reports the car condos are nearly sold out.

Read more here.

Related: “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”

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Metra Lot Concert: Smooth Sailing — a night of Yacht Rock music tonight

Posted in Entertainment, METRA on August 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by village of Barrington

Come on out to the village of Barrington Commuter Parking Lot at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, for an evening with Smooth Sailing — a night of Yacht Rock music. Bring your takeout or picnic and have a tailgate party at this drive-in concert in the Barrington Metra Lot.

National award-winning cover band Maggie Speaks is proud to present Smooth Sailing, an evening of Yacht Rock music. The smooth sailing sounds of Yacht Rock dominated the airwaves in the late 70s and early 80s. It was the era of studio musicians creating symphonic masterpieces with layers of harmony, melodic guitars and playful percussion.

The band Smooth Sailing recreates this era like no other, transporting you back to a period so mellow and smooth as a baby’s bottom. You will hear all of your favorite classics from artists like Toto, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers, Christopher Cross and more. Full of guilty pleasures, this show is perfect for a generation of soft rock lovers. So hop on board as we ride the smooth waters of 70s and 80s Yacht Rock.

Car tickets (up to six people per car) are $35 and walk-in tickets are $5. Tickets can be purchased at barrington-il.gov/metralotconcerts.

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Illinois Richest Income City Has a Railroad Going Right Thru It

Posted in Blame Canada, DARCHED, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, News Media, Politics, Property Taxes, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, TRAC on July 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Doc Holliday | 1070 KHMO-AM

I’m being honest when I say that this Illinois place doesn’t look like the richest city in the state, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just that when you see a place that has a railroad going right through the middle of it, you don’t automatically equate that with wealth, but in this case it’s true.

This isn’t the result of some bloggers opinion or some new national internet ranking. I simply asked the database at USA.com to query its numbers and show me the richest Illinois cities based on per-capita income. Here are the top 20 results:

1. $125,686 Mettawa, IL / 455
2. $103,788 Glencoe, IL / 8,824
3. $98,139 Winnetka, IL / 12,366
4. $97,381 Kenilworth, IL / 2,648
5. $91,623 Inverness, IL / 7,516
6. $91,555 Barrington Hills, IL / 3,653
7. $86,004 Lake Forest, IL / 18,914
8. $81,213 Oak Brook, IL / 7,967
9. $79,535 Hinsdale, IL / 16,898
10. $78,978 Riverwoods, IL / 3,792
11. $78,326 North Barrington, IL / 3,105
12. $77,903 Wayne, IL / 2,445
13. $75,185 South Barrington, IL / 4,811
14. $71,282 The Galena Territory, IL / 1,116
15. $70,886 Burr Ridge, IL / 10,678
16. $68,688 Highland Park, IL / 29,819
17. $67,595 Long Grove, IL / 8,017
18. $67,116 Wilmette, IL / 27,345
19. $67,084 Lincolnshire, IL / 7,270
20. $66,662 Hawthorn Woods, IL / 7,727
More here.

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“Barrington’s News You Can Use” by Karen Darch

Posted in Entertainment, Frau Blücher, METRA, Politics on July 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Village of Barrington President Karen Darch

Exciting Events and Beautiful Blooms in Barrington

Mark your calendars to attend the Barrington Police Department’s National Night Out event on Thursday, Aug. 8. Enjoy a fun evening with your neighbors, featuring free food, family-friendly activities and a chance to meet Barrington’s public safety personnel.

The Metra Lot Concerts continue to be a hit around town, and I hope you will join us for the next one happening tonight at 7 p.m. Mike & Joe will soon take the stage with a setlist packed with hits from the ’90s to today, plus a few surprises from the ’70s and ’80s. Don’t miss this fantastic modern rock cover band!

Summer weather is in full swing, bringing a vibrant display of flowers in full bloom throughout Barrington. I wanted to acknowledge the efforts of the Barrington Public Works Department, as well as our residents and businesses, for their stunning flower gardens and displays. Your hard work truly enhances the charm and beauty of our community.

This past weekend, the 3rd annual Porchfest neighborhood event was held on Cook Street and Grove Avenue. It was another successful event, with neighbors coming together to listen to live musical performances on the porches of 18 homes. What a unique and festive celebration of community spirit!

Let’s continue to come together this summer and celebrate all the wonderful things our community has to offer.

Karen Darch
Village President

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Barrington approves pay hikes for crossing guards

Posted in 220, Barrington High School, METRA, Politics, Public Safety, School Districts, Topics Of Interest on April 11, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington trustees approved pay hikes Monday for crossing guards who monitor railroad crossings and other intersections in town.

The raises — from $16 to $20 an hour — are among village officials’ response to the death of 17-year-old Barrington High School student Marin Lacson, who was fatally struck by a Metra train Jan. 25 while walking to classes that morning.

The village also has increased police presence at train crossings and installed more signs at pedestrian crossings. Officials also plan rail safety educational programs for students and are working with the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Department of Transportation to determine if pedestrian gates are an option at some crossings.

The pay hikes also follow the board’s action last month to amend the village’s contract with guard provider Andy Frain to add monitors at four additional crossings: Main Street and the Canadian National tracks near Barrington High; Main and Cook streets; Hough Street and the Union Pacific tracks; and Route 14 and Hillside Avenue.

Read more here.

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Metra promotes Safety Influencer poster contest

Posted in 220, 300, Contests, District 220 referendum, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, Politics, Public Safety, School Districts, Topics Of Interest, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on March 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Editorial note: Shared only yesterday on Barrington 220 School District’s Facebook site. Posted by Metra on March 4th. Don’t need Referendum marketing distractions, apparently…

“Submissions are officially open for the 17th annual Metra Safety Competition! Students can submit a poster, video, or social post highlighting what it means to be a safety influencer. Submissions close on 4/1, so sharpen those artistic minds and start creating!”

Learn more: metra.com/safety-competition

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“Barrington’s News You Can Use” by Karen Darch

Posted in DARCHED, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, Politics, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, TRAC, Traffic, Unions on March 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Village of Barrington President Karen Darch

“This past Tuesday, our community came together at Barrington’s White House for two Rail Safety Sessions hosted in conjunction with Metra. Since the tragic death of Barrington High School student Marin Lacson in January, we have all placed a renewed emphasis on ensuring that our residents stay safe around the rails in Barrington.

At the Community Rail Safety Sessions, Metra representatives emphasized obeying all warning signals and crossing gates; waiting until a train is fully passed and warning lights and bells have ceased and gates are deactivated before venturing across the tracks (as often a second train might be blocked by the first); never driving or walking around lowered gates; and paying attention to markings on the crossings and platforms.

In addition, Metra representatives reminded us that disobeying a rail signal is not only a serious safety issue, it’s illegal. First-time offenders in vehicles can incur up to a $500 fine for trespassing on the tracks when the grade crossing warning devices are activated. Second and subsequent violations can incur doubled fines. This type of violation requires an appearance in court and may result in a six-month suspension of a driver’s license if repeat offenses are committed.

Finally, if you do find yourself witnessing or becoming involved in a train crossing accident, or if you see a problem on the tracks, find the Emergency Notification Systems “blue sign” (see below) that is located at every rail crossing and call the 1-800 number. This sign gives the public critical emergency contact information at every grade crossing, enabling the public to reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and to identify the specific crossing in the event of an emergency.

I hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend.”

Karen Darch
Village President

Editorial note: Can’t make this up…

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Rail safety meetings tomorrow

Posted in 220, METRA, Public Safety, School Districts, Topics Of Interest on March 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The Village of Barrington invites the community to attend a rail safety session, presented by Metra safety education staff.

TOMORROW, March 19th
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. & 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Barrington’s White House | 145 West Main Street

During the event, Metra will cover various aspects of rail safety, including details from Operation Lifesaver and Metra’s 3 E’s: education, engineering, and enforcement.

Register Here

 

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