Dear Residents,

This week, the Village Board and I approved the application for an Invest in Cook Grant to study the feasibility of constructing bike paths along Penny Road (from Rte 59 to Algonquin Rd) and Bartlett Road (from Penny Rd south to connect with the path over I-90).  Many cyclists use County Roads now, so it would be very beneficial to improve safety and convenience for both vehicle and bicycle traffic. We have had many positive conversations with Cook County, so this study is the next step.  We will share more about the exploration of this project if we are successful in the grant process.

Cuba Township is continuing to work through the Village with brush pick-up. The amount of brush has far exceeded expectations and coupled with the inclement weather has slowed the process. We have received reports that only north of Penny Road has yet to be picked up. Please do not put any more brush or branches out on the street. Cuba will not be re-visiting the streets that have been completed. Thank you for your patience.

Next week there are many schools on Spring Break.  As a reminder, the Village has a Vacation House watch program that is available through the South Barrington Police Department. The form to fill out to initiate this service is available at the Police Department or on the South Barrington website. To fill out the form online, click here.  Forms at the Police Department are available during normal business hours Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once you have signed up for the House watch, a Police Officer will conduct a periodic check on your home while you are away.

I started this week’s message introducing you to a grant we are seeking through Cook County.  I will be concluding with another grant we are applying for through ComEd and their “Green Region” program. This grant will focus on restoring 1,000 feet of creek bank in the Conservancy at the far west end south of Bridges Drive. We have a number of partners on this project, including the Park District, Flint Creek Spring Creek Watersheds Partnership, The Barrington Area Community Foundation and Blue Stem Environmental Consulting. We anticipate receiving some positive news on our grant application. If awarded this Grant we will be looking for volunteers to assist with the restoration project in a one-day planting event in late September called “Plant the Conservancy”.

You can always reach me by email at pmccombie@southbarrington.org on our website. Anonymous comment boxes are also available in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I read anonymous messages privately, so please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor

Read more of my Friday, March 24 message by clicking here.

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