Mayor’s Message April 10, 2026

Dear Residents,

This year continues to be a banner year for South Barrington.

The latest is the news that the OPUS Development team is now planning to develop the former Allstate site (located at the Southeast corner of Higgins and Bartlett Roads, South Barrington “Northwest 90 Corporate Park”) in South Barrington rather than in another town. The Allstate property presently resides in the county and had previously de-annexed from South Barrington a few years ago. But now they have presented us with an annexation petition.

Hearing their enthusiasm and receiving their application to rejoin the Village is a promising step forward. Once developments de-annex, they seldom come back, but I believe there is renewed interest in South Barrington because of what we have been able to accomplish in recent months and there is a desire to be a part of the exciting growth and development of our community.

I will share additional updates as the development team continues through the process, with the next step being a presentation and a review by the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. I am looking forward to continuing to share additional good news with you.

BARRINGTON ISLAMIC COMMUNITY CENTER (BICC)

The Barrington Islamic Community Center (BICC) recently presented at a Village Board meeting, sharing their vision for a proposed religious community center. The project is planned at one of the Village’s most recently annexed properties, located at 306 Algonquin Road in South Barrington.

The presentation highlighted a modern, thoughtfully designed space intended to serve as a welcoming place for connection, reflection, and community. Their vision reflects the potential for a beautiful addition to the Village, one that embraces inclusivity and creates a space where all feel welcome.

The next step in the process will be for the group to present before the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. As always, I will share more information as new details become available. We thank the Barrington Islamic Community for taking the time to share their vision and express their interest in South Barrington as a place to call home.

2026 ROAD PAVING NOTICE

April 20^th marks the beginning of road construction season in South Barrington. The Village has selected Builders Paving, LLC to complete the 2026 Road Paving Program.

This 2.2-mile resurfacing project is part of the Village’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve community infrastructure and is funded through local Village funds. Because of the favorable prices that we received in our bid, we were able to add one more subdivision to our road program this year, Eastings Mere.

Work will take place in the following areas, in this order:

• Crabtree Trails
• Eastings Mere
• The Ponds

Construction hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No weekend hours are scheduled as of now. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane, and temporary closures may occur to allow for equipment movement. No detours will be posted; however, access to residential driveways will be maintained except when curb and gutter work is being performed. Residents will receive at least 48 hours’ notice if driveway access will be temporarily impacted. Please allow for additional travel time and expect construction-related noise throughout the duration of the project.

I thank you in advance for your patience as we work to improve our roads and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicles.
If you have any issues or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ryan Murphy at rmurphy@southbarrington.org

SPRING BRUSH PICKUP 

With the turning of the seasons comes the removal of tree and plant debris from the winter months. As a reminder, the Village’s spring brush pickup will take place April 28th through May 1st.

To help Cuba Township move efficiently through the Village and serve as many residents as possible, please follow these guidelines:

• Branches and limbs should be stacked in a pile no larger than 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and up to 10 feet long.
• Place all cut ends facing the street or aligned parallel with the direction of traffic to allow for quick and safe loading into the chipper.
• Please gather smaller branches and loose debris from your yard and include them in your pile. This helps prevent materials from washing into storm drains and culverts, which can restrict water flow and increase the risk of flooding.

This service is not intended for full tree removal or lot clearing so tree stumps or root balls will not be picked up. No yard waste sticker is required for this special pickup.

OPENING DAY- GOEBBERTS

One of South Barrington’s favorite destinations, Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, is officially open for the season!

The opening of the garden center marks the start of spring and all the fun that carries us into the summer months. From fresh flowers and plants to seasonal favorites, it’s the perfect place to kick off the season.

There are some much anticipated changes for the season including some new additions to the café menu and plans for an expanded experience with the installation of a new playground.

There’s plenty to look forward to, but for now, stop by, enjoy the fresh air, and pick up your spring flowers!

HARPER COLLEGE – EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING CENTER

This week, Village Administrator Mike Dropka and I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting for Harper College’s new $9.3 million Emergency Services Training Center. This state-of-the-art facility was developed in partnership with local fire departments to provide hands-on, real-world training for firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders. Featuring advanced simulation environments, including a four-story fire tower, the center will serve as a regional hub for training, certification and workforce development, helping ensure first responders are well-prepared to serve and protect our communities.

We are proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen public safety, invest in professional development, and reinforce the partnerships that keep our region safe.

For the full article from Harper College— click HERE

HONORING MARCIA LANDIN

By now, many of you have heard that our longtime Building and Engineering Administrative Assistant, Marcia Landin, will be retiring after 23 years of service to the Village and our community.

Marcia has been a part of South Barrington’s history, serving as a familiar and trusted presence for residents and staff alike. Her contributions over the years have helped shape the Village in meaningful ways, and it was only fitting that her legacy be formally recognized.

At last night’s Board meeting, the Board of Trustees and I were proud to pass a resolution of appreciation honoring Marcia’s years of service and unwavering dedication. It was a special moment to recognize her impact in front of her family, close friends, residents, and guests. Marcia was also presented with an award in recognition of her commitment to the Village.

She will be missed, and we thank her for everything she has given to South Barrington. We wish her all the best in this well-deserved next chapter.

As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor