President Martin McLaughlin was an invited panelist at the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Virtual Economic Summit on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

Below are some points he shared:

Egret resting in Barrington Hills

• The Village of Barrington Hills (the Village) has seen an uptick in interest and purchases in our real estate. Buyers are looking for safety and stability which our Village has historically and steadfastly provided. The sight of deer, cranes and wildlife is now preferential and desirable to city living.

•  Village offices have remained open through this pandemic without incident. Many thanks to our Village and Police Department staff who provided, and continue to provide, uninterrupted services while observing the CDC’s guidelines.

• The Village has instituted administrative hearings which are a venue for timely adjudication for activity that arises from properties operating in violation of the Village’s home occupation or business zoning, or other issues that ignore Village code. The expedited legal review process has provided for reduced legal expenses for both violators and the Village.

VBH family enjoying a BBQ lunch at the socially distanced The Hills Are Alive Fall Festival.

• The Village and residents who visited throughout the day safely enjoyed The Hills Are Alive Fall Festival—again, without incident and having instituted the CDC’s guidelines.

• The Village of Barrington Hills’ Board of Trustees has, once again, lowered the levy and President McLaughlin asked neighboring municipalities and local taxing bodies to follow the Village’s lead in this regard.

VBH Village Hall is a Cook County voting location.

• The Consolidated General Election is Tuesday, April 6, 2021. This is an important election. Various local governing bodies have more than one seat up for election, and residents are reminded their vote can have a substantial change.