Mayor’s Message May 15, 2026

Dear Residents,

In the last few days, I received some emails regarding re-annexing the Allstate Corp. property from unincorporated Cook County back into South Barrington. Understandably, this shift in the marketplace would generate questions regarding a landowner spending valuable time and money decoupling a property from our Village and then returning to our community with that same property. That just does not happen!

Village staff and I worked diligently with Allstate and the Opus Group to secure the future planning for this property because we believe it’s essential to have a seat at the table in dealing with its impact on our community. Allstate, and later Opus, have been working on annexing this property into Hoffman Estates since last year.  The proposed development involves constructing a light-industrial warehouse complex.

Re-annexing this property into the Village means we will actively shape its future and ensure it provides benefits for our entire community. The project will generate valuable property tax revenues to be used in addressing existing blight on the property, easing the overall financial burden on our residents, and providing financial resources for addressing public infrastructure relevant to water and sanitary sewer in that area. Our water supply is clearly being impacted over the passage of time. I will continue to keep you informed about the development of this property as it moves forward toward the Plan Commission for review.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: CONSTRUCTION- SOUTH BARRINGTON ROAD & I-90 BRIDGE

IDOT crews are currently repairing failed drainage structures in front of Village Hall. Two structures were completed today, and steel plates will remain in place until sometime next week while the work is finalized.

Additionally, beginning Monday and continuing through Tuesday, road crews will be performing two full-depth pavement patches on southbound South Barrington Road at the I-90 bridge in lanes 2 and 3. Work hours will be from 5:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. During this time, southbound traffic will be condensed to one lane, and significant delays are expected.

Please note, the roadway work taking place at South Barrington Road and I-90 is an IDOT project and is not being completed by the Village. Please plan ahead and allow for extra travel time in the area.

BUILDING UP ILLINOIS ACT: UPDATE

This week, I attended the Northwest Municipal Conference meeting where one of the major topics discussed was a status update regarding the proposed Build Illinois Act (BUILD).

As many of you know, the Governor and state legislators are working to advance legislation that could significantly impact local zoning authority throughout Illinois. If passed, the BUILD Act would allow the State greater control over zoning and development decisions that have historically been managed at the local level by municipalities and their residents.

While supporters argue the bill is intended to address housing shortages and increase development opportunities, many communities, including ours, are concerned about the potential loss of local control and the one-size-fits-all approach the legislation could create.  Every community has unique infrastructure, traffic patterns, environmental considerations, and development goals, and many believe these decisions are best made locally rather than mandated at the state level.  One of the things the Bill requires is that municipalities allow up to 8- unit multi-family buildings in all single-family zoning districts while drastically reducing the minimum lot sizes and setback requirements.

Below are some of the examples and challenges on this part of the bill that communities may face should this bill pass.

Both the Illinois Municipal League (IML), representing 1,294 municipalities statewide, and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, representing approximately 275 cities, towns, and villages, oppose the bill in its current form. For those concerned, I encourage all residents to contact your Legislators and Governor’s office and make your voices heard regarding your concerns with this proposed legislation.

Darby Hills, State Senate
Springfield Office: 217-782-8010, District Office: 224-662-4544

Marty McLaughlin, State Representative
RepMcLaughlin@gmail.com
Springfield Office: 217-782-1517, District Office: 224-634-8300

Nabeela Syed, State Representative
info@repsyed.com
Springfield Office: 217-782-3696, District Office: 773-916-6553

Governors Office

Springfield
817-782-6830 or 217-782-6831
Chicago
312-814-2121 or 312-814-2122

IMPORTANT AND HELPFUL LINKS BELOW:

• Full Building Up Illinois Act HERE
• Informative presentation put together by the City of Peoria with more examples of what the suggested changes could look like in our community: LINK HERE

BUILDING PERMITS IN THE VILLAGE OF SOUTH BARRINGTON

With many summer projects already underway, this is a friendly reminder that permits are required for a variety of home improvement projects within the Village. While the list below is not all-inclusive of every permit that may be required in South Barrington, it highlights some of the most common permits needed as summer projects begin.

For a complete list of permit requirements, please visit the Village website here.

NATIONAL POLICE APPRECIATION WEEK: May 10th-16th

This week was National Police Appreciation Week and wanted to recognize and celebrate our incredible officers. We proudly honor the brave law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving communities across the nation.

South Barrington is incredibly fortunate to have officers who continually go above and beyond in serving our community with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Whether responding during emergencies, supporting residents, engaging with the community, or simply serving as a reassuring presence throughout the Village, their commitment does not go unnoticed.

We are grateful each day for the dedicated men and women of the South Barrington Police Department and thank them for their continued service and sacrifice in helping keep our community safe.

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