Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Ethics’ Category

The following was posted late this afternoon to the Village Facebook page:

UPDATE: HOFFMAN ESTATES PLUM FARMS REZONING REQUEST

On June 3, 2026, the Hoffman Estates Plan Commission held a public hearing regarding a request to rezone the Plum Farms property from TN Traditional Neighborhood and C-MU Commercial Mixed Use to M-2 Manufacturing. The property is located north of Higgins Road between the Canadian National Railway and New Sutton Road.

President Brian D. Cecola submitted written public comment on behalf of the Village of Barrington Hills, expressing concern that a broad industrial zoning classification at this location would not be appropriate. While no specific development plan was before the Plan Commission, M-2 zoning would allow a range of industrial uses, including, among other uses, a data center. Director of Administration Anna Paul attended the meeting on behalf of the Village.

There were nearly three hours of public testimony; all speakers who provided testimony spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning. Following public comment and discussion, the Plan Commission voted 2-4 on the recommendation, meaning the motion to recommend approval did not pass.

The Village of Barrington Hills hopes the Hoffman Estates Village Board will accept the Plan Commission’s recommendation and not approve the proposed rezoning to M-2.

The date for Hoffman Estates Village Board consideration of the rezoning request has not yet been determined. At the meeting, Hoffman Estates officials stated that the item was not anticipated to appear on the June 15 agenda. The next regular Village Board meeting after that is scheduled for July 6, with the agenda required to be posted no later than 48 hours before the meeting.

The Village of Barrington Hills will continue to monitor this matter and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

TO READ PRESIDENT CECOLA’S WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT, FOLLOW THE LINK

We’ll be posting our comments on this “update”  very soon.

Related:Do you trust our Board of Trustees? We don’t. But you decide for yourself once we have finished. (Follow-up),” “Do you trust our Board of Trustees? We don’t. But you decide for yourself once we have finished. (Part 3),” “Do you trust our Board of Trustees? We don’t. But you decide for yourself once we have finished. (Part 2),” “Do you trust our Board of Trustees? We don’t. But you decide for yourself once we have finished. (Part 1),” “7 things to know about Illinois data centers,” “Data Center group concerned over pause,” “110 Acre AI data center campus pitched to Village Board

Read Full Post »

Wood trusses are moved into place on townhomes being built in Pingree Grove last month. A series of proposals backed by Gov. JB Pritzker to encourage more multifamily housing failed to move through the state legislature before its spring session ended. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

A plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois wasn’t the only high-profile legislative proposal not to cross the goal line before the General Assembly’s spring session concluded last weekend.

Neither did Gov. JB Pritzker’s controversial measures encouraging more multifamily housing construction by mandating less-stringent zoning rules.

Named Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD, the proposal was introduced by the governor in February to resolve a housing shortage in the state. It consisted of multiple bills in the state House and Senate and was promoted by Pritzker in the months that followed.

But as the clock ticked down in Springfield, the plan fizzled. No votes were taken on any of the primary BUILD components; in fact, they weren’t even assigned to committees for debate.

“The fact that this proposal did not even make it through committee speaks volumes about how little support it had, even among Democrats,” said Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills, an outspoken BUILD critic.

In a news conference after the General Assembly adjourned, Pritzker said he’ll continue to fight for BUILD. He noted the new state budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for housing initiatives.

Article continues here.

Related:Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing (BUILD Act/Plan) plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session,” “Why McHenry County officials could ask voters for home rule powers,” South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning

Read Full Post »

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

 

Read Full Post »

The Equestrian Commission/Riding Club will be meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • RECOGNITION OF EMILY MCHUGH, FIRST EQUESTRIAN COMMISSION CHAIR
  • HORSE/LARGE ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN – DISCUSSION
  • JULY 4 AMERICA250 CELEBRATION: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ROLE OF HORSES IN THE FOUNDING OF OUR NATION*
  • REGISTER NOW: LAND WE LOVE RUN AMERICA250 5K/10K OR 2-MILE WALK ON JUNE 28, 2026

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

Read Full Post »

“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

Read Full Post »

By Claire O’Brien | Shaw Media

As McHenry County officials express frustration at state legislation that they say erodes local control, they’re considering asking voters for permission to become home rule.

Home rule is a classification that allows a local government to enact laws as it sees fit, as long as they’re not in conflict with state laws. That includes more leeway to impose fees, restrictions and taxes.

Though some municipalities in McHenry County have home rule powers, Cook County is the only county in Illinois with such powers.

In recent years, solar farms have been a source of frustration for McHenry County officials because state law has limited the county’s ability to regulate such facilities.

Now, officials at the county and in several municipalities have expressed frustration over the proposed BUILD Act — Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan that would limit local authority on what types of housing structures can be built on land zoned for residential.

So McHenry County officials are considering asking voters to weigh in on a home-rule request during the November election.

Article continues here.

Related: “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning

Read Full Post »

Scott Stantis editorial cartoon for Sunday, May 24, 2026 on the fight between Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson over the Bears stadium. | Scott Stantis/For the Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

As we witness the current dysfunction between Chicago City Hall and Springfield, we easily forget that for most of the past 60 years Illinois governors were Republicans while Chicago mayors were Democrats.

There was some tension in those relationships. But for the most part those GOP governors and Chicago mayors cooperated effectively on matters of importance to Chicago. Chicago mayors — for the bulk of that time period, their last names were Daley — understood how to prioritize their requests to Springfield for assistance to ensure they could get to “yes.” And GOP governors — Jim Thompson in the 1980s, Jim Edgar for much of the ‘90s and then George Ryan in the early 2000s — understood that a growing and economically strong Chicago was a boon for the entire state.

During Illinois’ brutal budget wars of the 2010s, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel were frequently at odds on a host of issues. But everyone understood the real warring parties at the time were Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. For all the verbal broadsides, no one ever believed Rauner and Emanuel, who were friends for years before that era, couldn’t communicate with each other reasonably even if striking deals was challenging.

Which bring us to right now.

What is there to say about the relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, both Democrats?

What relationship? There doesn’t appear to be any.

The editorial continues here.

Read Full Post »

High chronic absenteeism will no longer hurt a school’s state rating.

By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois plans to eliminate poor attendance from school ratings at a time when a fourth of the state’s students miss a significant chunk of the academic year.

In an overhaul the State Board of Education approved in April, “chronic absenteeism,” or missing 10% or more of the school year with or without a valid excuse, will no longer ding a school’s rating. All nine current board members were appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The new system will use the term “consistent attendance,” the percentage of students present 90% or more of the school year.

That semantic switch may confuse parents about what’s really being measured, though it’s just a different way of saying the same thing. But the revised system also changes attendance from a “core indicator” in the rankings to merely an “elevating indicator.”

Why that matters: Strong “consistent attendance” will raise a school’s rating, but a weak performance won’t hurt it.

The state calls this a “strengths-based” approach, but it means the high rates of students skipping class across Illinois won’t affect schools’ ratings.

Report continues here.

Read Full Post »

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • [Vote] Board of Health Appointment:
    Frank Konicek – Chairman, one-year term
  • [Vote] Riding Club Commission Appointments:
    Elaine Ramesh – Chairman & Member, each a one-year term
    Mary Beth Holsteen – Member, one-year term
    Susan Helenowski – Member, one-year term
    Vicki Kelly – Member, one-year term
  • [Vote] Plan Commission Appointments:
    Matthew Vondra – Chairman, one-year term & Member, 3-year term
    Christopher Geier – Member, three-year term
    Brent Burval – New Nominee* for Member, three-year term
  • [Vote] Zoning Board of Appeals Appointments:
    Gina Koertner – Member, five-year term
    John Gigerich – Member, five-year term
  • [Vote] Police Pension Board Trustees Appointments:
    Christopher Krzysko, Two-year term
    George Panos, Two-year term
  • Register Now: Land We Love Run 5K/10K Celebrating America250 on June 28, 2026

A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.

*No bio provided

Read Full Post »

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Cult of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Approval of the April 2026 Park Board Meeting Minutes (Not provided)
  • Treasurer’s Report Review, Approval of the April 2026 Park District Financials (Not Provided)
  • Advisory Committee Report (Not Provided)

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »