This morning, February 8, President Cecola was one of nine panelists who addressed a sold-out room at this year’s 2023 Economic Summit: State of the Region, hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

He joined neighboring Village Leaders in providing a 2022 year in-review.  President Cecola reported that while he sat among his peers who shared the economic status of their commercial businesses, Barrington Hills is solely a single-family residential community.

Over the past two years, homeowners and new property buyers have been investing in Barrington Hills as proven by the increasing number of building permits issued for home improvements, additions and new construction of single-family residences. Especially during COVID and thereafter, Barrington Hills has been a sought-after community in part due to the property freedoms afforded to its residents.  He cited bike trails, horse trails, ATVs, golf carts and specialized permitted activities as examples of what a homeowner can have on their property.

President Cecola reported that for the past nine years, the Village has been able to decrease the levy. Although it is a small amount, it shows the fiscal responsibility of the Board, especially during these economic times. He was happy to report that the scales were tipped in favor of Barrington Hills’ residents.

Additional topics were the road program, collective bargaining negotiations with the police officers’ union, the Village’s 60th-anniversary celebration of its 5-acre zoning resolution (Resolution 63-01), and his gratitude towards Citizens of Conservation’s purchase of Hill ‘n Dale Farm, which promises to protect the 247 acres as open space.

Each Village leader was asked to address the recent crime in the Barrington Area.  President Cecola shared that Barrington Hills has installed many license plate recognition cameras throughout the Village and has plans to install more.  These cameras are a beneficial tool in assisting the police.  He kindly reminded the public to remove all valuables from parked cars, including keys, Fobs and garage door openers, and lock all doors, regardless of where vehicles are parked.  He asked residents to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 and assured them no call is an inconvenience.

He thanked the public for attending and the sponsors for the opportunity to present alongside other village officials, and shared it was an honor to volunteer for his community.

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