Mayor Darch: Barrington's in a good place

Karen Darch said never before in her 11 years as village president was the great heart and spirit of the Barrington community more evident than it was in 2015.

During her annual State of the Village address during Monday's board meeting, Darch said she has a great sense of accomplishment when looking back on all that was done last year. Among the many achievements she highlighted were the completion of the Barrington Village Center and White House projects in the village's downtown, and the village's sesquicenntenial celebration.

"As proud as we are of the physical beauty of Barrington's White House finished product, nothing compares to the labor of love of those who made sure that occurred and through their time talent and treasure made it possible."

Residents donated more than $6 million toward the renovations and uncounted hours into its operation as a community center.

Residents also volunteered their time to plan several events to celebrate the village's 150th birthday and learn the town's history.

During 2015 the village gained a net of 29 more businesses than it had in 2014 and the village experienced a 2 percent increase in sales tax receipts, bringing them to the highest amount since 2000.

Darch noted that the village accomplished so much despite economic uncertainty in the state government.

"There is some solace in knowing that come what may with our state government we still have some ability to innovate and make our situation better,"

Darch said despite its successes, the village does not plan to rest on its laurels. Among the ongoing and upcoming projects are the Route 14 underpass under the CN railway and a housing development at 322 N. Hough St., near the village's downtown.

"As we consider the state of Barrington today, we are in a good place," Darch said. "We can be pleased for Barrington as we have celebrated her great 150-year past, we have seen, in her present, the fulfillment of longtime plans for a more vibrant downtown and we stand ready to meet the challenges whether they are in hardscape or in maneuvering through a tough political landscape of her future."

A video of Darch delivering her State of the Village address, as well as the rest of the March 14 board meeting, is available on the village's website.