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Barrington Reports Demolition Underway at Former PepsiCo Site

June 6, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Demolition activity is underway at 617 W. Main St., the former PepsiCo site, paving the way for the site development of the new Claremont subdivision. The residential development includes 88 custom luxury single-family homes with many on-site amenities, including a clubhouse, pool, cabana, sports courts, walking paths and more.

Keep up to date with all the exciting changes and improvements taking place by visiting the development updates page on the Village’s website. The page is regularly updated with the most current information available”

Posted in 220, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie shares an update on Hoffman Estates/Plum Farms Plan Commission meeting

June 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Dear Residents

This week, I participated in an important meeting of the Hoffman Estates Plan Commission regarding a proposed rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property, located north of Route 72 and west of Route 59. This proposal has significant implications for South Barrington and the surrounding communities.
The requested M-2 zoning classification would permit the development of a data center on the site, which was the primary concern raised during the meeting. More than 45 residents provided public comments, and every speaker expressed opposition to the proposed zoning change.

During the meeting, I addressed the Plan Commission to voice South Barrington’s opposition to the rezoning request. I emphasized that M-2 zoning for this highly visible corner property is inconsistent with the long-term economic development strategies pursued by both South Barrington and Hoffman Estates. Our communities have invested considerable effort in establishing this area as a destination for retail, dining, entertainment, and other complementary commercial uses. A data center does not align with that vision or with the character of our surrounding communities.

The meeting drew more than 400 attendees, and every speaker who addressed the Commission voiced objections to the proposed development. As a strategic partner with Hoffman Estates, it was my hope that the Plan Commission would recognize the shared objectives of our communities and decline to recommend the requested zoning change.

Ultimately, the Plan Commission voted 4-2 against the rezoning request. The matter will now be forwarded to the Hoffman Estates Village Board for final consideration, with the earliest possible hearing scheduled for June 15th.

I will continue to keep everyone informed as this process moves forward. Thank you to the many residents of Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills, and neighboring communities who attended the meeting, submitted letters, and voiced their opposition. Your engagement and advocacy played an important role in ensuring that community perspectives were clearly heard throughout this process.

For more news articles related to this, see below:

Daily Herald: Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Rezoning Request for Possible Data Center
CBS News: Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Zoning Change for New Data Center Project
Hoffman Estates Plan Commission Rejects Rezoning Request for Possible Data Center“‘

We’d like to thank Mayor McCombie once again for keeping residents informed.

Posted in Cook, County, Guest Essay, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency | 1 Comment »

Bears ‘advance’ unspecified Indiana stadium plan — but keep Illinois lawmakers on the line

June 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren

By Brenden Moore | Capitol News Illinois

Article Summary

  • The Chicago Bears announced the team’s board of directors “voted to advance” a stadium project in Hammond, Indiana on Friday.
  • It’s the biggest step toward moving yet, but a top Illinois Senate negotiator said he got a call from the team’s president and CEO indicating Illinois isn’t necessarily out of the mix.
  • The Bears’ statement acknowledged that an Indiana site is “to be selected,” a level of ambiguity that’s been a hallmark of the team’s recent public communications.
  • JB Pritzker issued a statement saying the team’s frequent “shifting” of its position on a stadium location “has hindered their progress.”

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

The article can be found here.

Posted in Girlie man, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to suspend tax breaks offered to data centers

June 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Pritzker, who is widely viewed as having 2028 White House aspirations, is tapping into an issue seen as important to voters. | Photo: İsmail Enes Ayhan / Unsplash

By Natasha Korecki | NBC News 

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday plans to temporarily halt offering tax breaks to data centers that apply to build in the state and intends to call on lawmakers and other groups to hash out a framework in the fall veto session for how the centers should be developed.

In a plan first shared with NBC News, Pritzker will announce he will pause the processing of any applications to the tax incentive program handled by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity beginning July 1.

Pritzker called on state lawmakers this year to suspend incentives for two years while they hammer out a comprehensive review of the impact centers are having on communities.

Pritzker is making the move after lawmakers did not act. The governor cannot unilaterally halt the program, but the executive branch does wield some control over processing applications, according to his office.

By taking on the massive buildings that power artificial intelligence, Pritzker, who is running for a third term and is widely viewed as having 2028 White House aspirations, is tapping into an issue seen as important to voters.

“Illinois has an opportunity to continue leading in technological innovation and economic growth, but we also have a responsibility to protect working families and local communities as the data center industry rapidly expands,” he said in a statement. “I am directing my administration to pause the processing of data center agreements while we continue working with the General Assembly and stakeholders on a comprehensive framework that protects affordability, safeguards our natural resources, and ensures responsible growth across Illinois.”

An NBC News poll this year revealed that nationally, Americans believe the dangers of AI outweigh its benefits. The proliferation of data centers has sparked controversy across the country. An expanding number of states are trying to curb their development, while others are trying to end tax breaks.

Full report plus video(s) can be found here as well as this report we missed earlier this week: “Residents push back against possible idea for third data center in Hoffman Estates.”

Posted in AI, Data Center, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Upcoming Stillman Nature Center events include bird walk, campfire, pond study

June 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Join Stillman Nature Center naturalist and reptile enthusiast Lara Sviatke July 12 as she shares her knowledge about turtles and snakes | Courtesy of Stillman Nature Center

By Stillman Nature Center

Stillman Nature Center at 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington, will offer the following events and programs. For details, visit stillmannc.org, email stillmangho@gmail.com, or call (847) 428-OWLS (6957).

Sunday morning bird walk: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 7. Experienced birder David Johnson will lead this morning bird walk, intended for adults and children age 10 and older. Binoculars would be helpful. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, Stillman does. If it’s raining, the activity will be canceled. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Call to RSVP if you plan to attend.

Bats and campfire: 8-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20; 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Ever wonder about these creatures that come out at night? Why are bats so mysterious? Join bat naturalist Lara Sviatko for bat information, a campfire, and roasted marshmallows. Participants will hear sounds of nocturnal wildlife and end the evening with a visit to Stillman’s resident owls. Suggested donation is $5.

Snakes and turtles: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12. Join naturalist and reptile enthusiast Lara Sviatko as she shares her knowledge about these cold-blooded animals. Participants will have a chance to touch a snake as well as look for Stillman’s snakes and pond turtles. For adults and children ages 8 and older. Free, but call to reserve a spot.

Pond study: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26. With the help of long-handled dip nets, families (including children ages 8 and older) will scoop into Stillman’s pond in hopes of catching crayfish, dragonfly larvae, tadpoles and other rarely seen pond creatures. Dress in clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Free, but call or email to make reservations, since space is limited.

Posted in Education, South Barrington, Stillman Nature Center, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Hoffman Estates plan commission rejects rezoning request for possible data center

June 4, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie adds her voice to that of 45 others criticizing a proposal for the rezoning of the 186-acre Plum Farms property at Higgins Road and Route 59 for a possible data center before the Hoffman Estates plan commission Wednesday night. | Eric Peterson/epeterson@dailyherald.com

By Eric Peterson | Daily herald

Hoffman Estates plan commissioners voted 4-2 Wednesday to recommend against rezoning the 186-acre Plum Farms property to manufacturing for a possible data center proposal.

The vote was called after 46 members of the public unanimously urged rejection of the request for an unspecified development by landowner Karis Critical of Florida, which saw a data center proposal in Naperville rejected in January.

Speakers opposed to the rezoning urged the board’s rejection of the proposal without knowing what would go there. They complained a data center would create environmental issues.

Most speakers were from Hoffman Estates, South Barrington or Barrington Hills. But independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett of Palatine, Democratic state Rep. Nabeela Syed of Inverness and Democratic candidate for state representative Maria Peterson of North Barrington were also drawn by the chorus of discontent.

South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie said her village and Hoffman Estates have had a long history of understanding that what happens in one community affects the other. She found the rezoning request out of sync with their mutual development of retail uses in that area.

“I’m not a resident of Hoffman Estates but we should be strategic partners,” McCombie said.

The full article can be found here.

Related: “Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project,” “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“

Posted in AI, BACOG, Clown Car, Cook, County, Daily Herald, Data Center, Dinky, Hoffman Estates, Plum Farm development, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes | 3 Comments »

Hoffman Estates Plan Commission rejects zoning change for new data center project

June 4, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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”

 

Posted in AI, BACOG, Cook, County, Data Center, Ethics, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, News Media, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Village Code | Leave a Comment »

Special Equestrian Commission (Riding Club) meeting tonight

June 4, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

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.

Posted in Agendas, Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Bicyclists, Big Red, Commercial Horse Boarding, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), E-bikes, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Simple Minds, Unions, Village Director of Administration, Well Water Quality | Leave a Comment »

JB’s Bears excuse(s)

June 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Eric Allie/Illinois Policy Institute. View more of Eric’s work via Instagram here.

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Driver left injured, trapped after forklift falls off back of semi-trailer and strikes his SUV in Barrington Hills

June 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Police shut down Route 68 east of Bateman Road in Barrington Hills for several hours to investigate a crash involving a forklift that struck another vehicle and left the driver injured Tuesday afternoon. | Photo: Nick Rusin

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A driver was hospitalized and had to be extricated after a forklift fell off a semi-tractor-trailer and struck his vehicle while driving in Barrington Hills Tuesday afternoon.

The Barrington Hills Police Department, East Dundee Fire Protection District and Carpentersville Fire Department responded around 4:14 p.m. Tuesday to the area of Route 68 and Bateman Road in Barrington Hills for a vehicle crash with injuries and entrapment.

Fire crews arrived on the scene and reported finding a forklift that fell from a truck and struck a car, causing heavy damage.

Police shut down Route 68 east of Bateman Road in Barrington Hills for several hours to investigate a crash involving a forklift that struck another vehicle and left the driver injured Tuesday afternoon. | Photo: Nick Rusin

Barrington Hills Police Department Media Relations Officer Bill Walsh said the incident occurred on Route 68, also known as Dundee Road, east of Bateman Road.

Firefighters worked to extricate the driver and sole occupant of a 2010 BMW X5.

Paramedics then transported him to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin with non-life-threatening injuries, Walsh said. His exact condition was not released.

Police shut down Route 68 east of Bateman Road in Barrington Hills for several hours to investigate a crash involving a forklift that struck another vehicle and left the driver injured Tuesday afternoon. | Photo: Nick Rusin

A preliminary investigation showed a 2006 Kenworth semi-tractor-trailer with a forklift attached to the rear, commonly referred to as a piggyback forklift, was traveling east on Dundee Road.

Report continues here.

Posted in Accidents, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Traffic, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

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