Dear Residents,

We are all aware of the challenges surrounding the South Barrington Park District’s sale of a property known as Area N.

One of the most significant issues the Village had to consider was who actually owns the property.

As a Village, we were being asked to go through a zoning review process without a clear understanding of who is the rightful owner of the property and whether or not the land sale was even lawful.

In order for us to take any action with regard to any potential zoning changes, we wanted to have these basic questions answered first and so under the guidance of legal counsel, the Village formally filed a motion to Intervene and Stay the Zoning Hearing. I can assure you this decision was not an easy one, but in the interest of fairness, transparency, and above all accountability to the residents of South Barrington, the motion was filed per code.

I joined our attorney in attending the hearing in downtown Chicago where we learned the plaintiffs in the case had decided to drop the lawsuit. There was no notice and no communication about their intent to drop the case prior to the hearing. Regrettably, village time and resources were used to file a motion that is no longer relevant. We were simply trying to get some guidance from the court and also to show our residents that we take their concerns seriously. A courtesy call would have been appreciated.

We will be withdrawing our motion, and the zoning board meeting scheduled for tonight will proceed.

Our commitment remains to be honest, transparent and accountable to our residents, and I will be providing more updates in the future.

AC Power

Last Wednesday there was a public hearing on the AC Power solar project, located north of Mundhank Road East of Willow Creek Church. This proposed solar project would be located on top of a decommissioned landfill.

There were numerous concerns raised at the meeting about the project that mostly focused on whether or not the solar panels would be adequately covered and hidden from view as well as environmental concerns.

No final decision about this project has been made at this time as the project is still in the review process.

The following message is from South Barrington’s Police Chief Garrison on an incident that occurred over the weekend.

“On Sunday August 4, at 4:13 a.m., the South Barrington Police Department received a notification from Village cameras about a stolen Jeep from DuPage County entering the Willowmere subdivision. The Jeep was being trailed by two other vehicles – a Range Rover and a Lincoln. All three vehicles entered and immediately exited the subdivision where patrol officers were able to follow the three vehicles out of town onto Interstate 90. At the time of the incident, the Range Rover and Lincoln had not been reported stolen. Later that day it was discovered that the Range Rover and Lincoln were stolen from Palatine and Rolling Meadows. The officers checked the area and it was determined no crime occurred in South Barrington. As a reminder do not leave car doors unlocked overnight or valuables in your car.”

South Barrington has Village Codes regarding parking Recreational Vehicles or RVs. By Village code definition an RV pertains to every camping trailer, boat, or similar water vehicle, motor home, mini-motor home, travel trailer, truck camper or van camper or other similar vehicle used primarily for recreational purposes.

No person shall park, stop, or leave standing any recreational vehicle on any residential driveway, except after filling out a form for overnight parking provided by frontline. The form can be found by going to the Village website under Village Police Department. All Village Codes can be found on the website or by clicking here. Please comply with Village Codes and call the Village hall if you have any questions at 847-381-7510.

There have been numerous inquiries pertaining to how residents can recycle electronics. Our Village waste collector, Groot, will pick up electronics curbside at no additional cost for our residents. Residents need to call Groot at 800-244-1977 by the Friday before the next scheduled pickup to include electronic waste. For additional information on what to recycle and the services the Village provides please click here.

The Arboretum is hosting two concerts this upcoming week in Main Street Plaza. Sunday, August 11, the band Oh Yes! will be playing from 1-3 p.m. Their incredible harmonies, diverse set list, and crowd interaction create and electric atmosphere gets everyone up dancing and singing along during their show. And on Wednesday, August 14, from 6:30-9 p.m. the Arb welcomes back 7th Heaven! This is an experience you just have to see and hear! Known for the famous “30 Songs in 30 Minutes” medley of songs from the 70’s and 80’s. Read below for more information about this event and other upcoming concerts, or click here. Thanks to the wonderful sponsors!! Wickstrom Auto Group & Rob Morrison Team at Coldwell Banker. They support the wonderful events brought to our community.

As always, I can be reached by email at pmccombie@southbarrington.org or online through our website. I can also be reached through the anonymous comment boxes located in the Village Hall and Police Department lobbies. I read anonymous messages privately, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any matter.

Have a great weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor

Read more of my Friday message by clicking here.

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