Barrington plan commission rejects condominium proposal citing density concerns

A proposal to build a three‑story, 21‑unit condominium building in a neighborhood near the Foundry of Barrington suffered a key setback this week.

After overwhelmingly negative public comment, the Barrington Plan Commission rejected it with a 4-1 vote Tuesday.

Commissioners praised the building at 20930 N. 20th St., at Taylor and 20th streets, but said it didn’t fit the neighborhood, while neighbors said the project was too dense and out of character, while raising concerns about traffic.

Since the commission’s decision is advisory, the plan still has a chance with the village board. The board recently went against the commission’s wishes by approving the Claremont, a gated community with 88 custom homes.

The village would need to change the zoning from single-family to multifamily, annex the unincorporated Lake County property into Barrington and amend its comprehensive plan for an area eligible for commercial development.

Project Engineer Michael Caldwell, who spoke on behalf of the petitioner, HAD Enterprises LLC, said the building would provide a transition between higher-intensity commercial uses along Northwest Highway and single-family homes to the north and east.

He said the 1.63-acre site, which contains wetlands, would retain roughly 60% open space.

The development would include new sidewalks and widened streets.

Neighbors who opposed the plan said their streets are narrow, largely without sidewalks and beset by cut-through traffic.

“It is scary living there when people don't follow stop signs,” said resident Tristan Bishop.

Susan Dodson called the area a “hidden gem of a neighborhood.” She said she and her neighbors live on large lots.

“We’re rural,” she said. “Our neighborhood has been rural for 100 years. Many of us are there because we chose that neighborhood based on its privacy, based on its quietness. To make that big a density change is so irresponsible.”

Others expressed safety concerns.

Most of the commissioners agreed with the residents.

“I do think that it is trying to shoehorn something that is bigger and denser than really fits into this space,” Commissioner David Holtermann said.

“To me, it’s the volume,” Commissioner Robert Windon said. “Twenty-one is too many in this space for me.”

Commission Chairman Dan Hogan cast the only vote in support. He warned a commercial use would generate more traffic. He also pointed out the proposal asked for less exceptions than other developments.

“I do believe that overall a residential development here is an appropriate transition between Northwest Highway, which is a busy, loud, four-lane highway, and single-family homes,” he said.