Zoning change defies village policy

I am writing to express concern about the Barrington 220 proposal to expand the “Lincoln Lot,” a parking lot originally planned for residential parcels along Hager Avenue.

In September, the district initiated the Special Use Planned Development process with the Lincoln Lot included, seeking to rezone R-6 residential lots to P-L institutional zoning to allow a use otherwise prohibited in a residential neighborhood. After significant community concern, the district withdrew the Lincoln Lot from its submission — an implicit acknowledgment that the proposal did not comply with the village’s zoning requirements.

Both Chapter 11 (Planned Developments) and Chapter 3 (Special Uses) of the Village of Barrington Zoning Ordinance make clear that flexibility in zoning is granted only when a proposal protects surrounding neighborhoods and provides meaningful public benefits. Chapter 11 requires that a Planned Development preserve the value of surrounding residential areas, remain compatible with neighborhood character and provide benefits that accrue to the village — not merely to the applicant. The Lincoln Lot meets none of these standards.

Replacing long-standing homes with an asphalt parking facility would increase traffic, noise, lighting and stormwater runoff while permanently altering the character of a stable residential street.

Chapter 3 further requires that a special use not adversely affect surrounding properties and remain in harmony with the intent of the zoning ordinance. The district’s need to rezone these properties — and its withdrawal of the parking lot — makes clear that it could not meet these criteria.

It is also important to note that the district has already authorized the purchase of these residential parcels, despite withdrawing the Lincoln Lot from the application. This, combined with the district’s ability to resubmit the parking lot as a separate application, makes it essential that the village consistently enforce the standards of Chapters 11 and 3 to protect neighborhood stability and property values.

Wende Dau

Walnut Grove