Mayor’s Message September 11, 2026

Dear Residents,

Today is September 11^th , a day that will never be forgotten.

What began as a normal workday for millions of Americans turned dark as we watched the attack on our nation unfold right before our eyes.

Twenty-five years later, the significance of that day remains with us. We remember the innocent men, women, and children who tragically lost their lives.

But the other side of the story is one of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice. The heroes who ran INTO the World Trade Center and the heroes on Flight 93 are the other part of the story. While we must never forget all who died, we must also remember all of those who risked their own lives to save others. The first responders and members of our military who demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice, and the families who continue to carry their loss are real heroes deserving of our deep gratitude. This 25^th Anniversary is an opportunity to honor them and ensure their legacy and exemplary bravery is never forgotten.

TIF PUBLIC HEARING

On September 17^th, there will be a hearing on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the Allstate property corridor property on Higgins road.

The meeting will be at 7pm at the Village Hall. It is an opportunity for the public to weigh in and comment on a TIF project which will bring revenue into the Village for water infrastructure and safety without having to impose additional taxes on our residents. Please attend if you would like more information or if you would like to weigh in on the project.

This new development will help spur additional economic development for our region. In the long term, our schools and other taxing bodies will see an increase in revenue. The best way to lower property taxes is to grow our local economy and one way to accomplish this is through the utilization of TIF districts.

These issues are important and it is our goal to make sure residents have all of the facts. I encourage you to attend our meeting on Sept. 17^th.

MEET YOUR CONSERVANCY COMMISSION
At last night’s Board Meeting, I was pleased to swear in three of the Village’s seven newly appointed Conservancy Commissioners. Over the past two months, Trustee Daniel Zierk, Chair of the Conservancy Committee, and I conducted interviews with prospective candidates. Given the exceptionally strong pool of applicants and the importance of the work ahead, the Village Board made the decision to expand the Conservancy Commission from five members to seven.

The remaining Commissioners will be sworn in prior to the Commission’s first meeting. We are looking forward to beginning this important work as the Village moves toward implementation of the Conservancy Master Plan, which was instrumental in securing the grant funding awarded to the Village in January.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all of our Commissioners for their willingness to volunteer their time, expertise, and commitment to the Village. Their dedication will be invaluable as we work together to advance the vision of South Barrington.

2026 SHRED EVENT SUMMARY

The Annual Document Shredding Event was a tremendous success despite taking place over Labor Day weekend. Several of your board members and residents helped unload cars on this warm day.

Approximately 168 vehicles participated, including 102 South Barrington residents and other members of the SWANCC community. Together, residents safely shredded approximately 6,800 pounds of unwanted documents, a great success!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who helped make the event possible. We will look to schedule future events outside of holiday weekends and build on the success of the Labor Day weekend Shredding event.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: OLD SUTTON ROAD PROPERTY- BARRINGTON

A public hearing has been scheduled for Cook County to consider a proposed commercial truck parking operation at 15N803 Old Sutton Road just west of Rte. 59 and south of Penny Rd which is just west of South Barrington and south of Barrington Hills. This property is under Cook County’s jurisdiction.

Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: 69 W. Washington Street, 22nd Floor, Chicago
Virtual: Microsoft Teams will also be available.

The applicant is seeking approval to operate a truck parking business for up to 50 dump trucks on the property. They are also requesting permission to build an accessory structure approximately 20 feet tall, which is higher than the current 15-foot limit.

Residents who would like to provide comments or participate virtually should email the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals at ZBA.emails@cookcountyil.gov by September 21, 2026. Written comments must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on September 21. You can link to the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals Website HERE

SOUTH BARRINGTON MONUMENT SIGNS

The South Barrington Police are investigating recent acts of major vandalism to one of our South Barrington monument signs on Barrington Road just north of Algonquin road by unknown individual(s).

While the damage itself is unfortunate, what concerns us most is the possibility of this becoming a continued pattern. Our Village is a reflection of the people who live here, and protecting our public spaces, landscaping, signs, and shared surroundings is something that unites us all.

We are asking our residents to remain aware and to speak up if they see something that may be helpful to the investigation. If you have witnessed anything unusual or have information regarding the damage, please contact the Police Department at 847-381-7511.

Together, we can help ensure South Barrington remains the safe, beautiful, and respectful community we are proud to call home.

THE ARBORTEUM: WIENER FEST

Calling all dachshund owners!

Wiener Fest is coming to The Arboretum of South Barrington on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Main Street Plaza.

The family-friendly event will celebrate dachshunds and their owners with wiener dog races, wiener walks, a wiener social, costume parade, food, prizes, photo opportunities, vendors, and more.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Midwest Dachshund Rescue. Attendees can visit vendor booths for dachshund-themed merchandise and meet pet health experts from Pet Vet Huntley.

For more information, please visit the event website HERE

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