February 27, 2018
Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Hwy.
Barrington, Il, 60010
Contact: Karen McBride, Public Information Manager
847-382-1300 X 2100, kmcbride@balibrary.org
Barrington Area Library Board Continues To Review Lake Zurich Road Realignment Proposal
The Barrington Public Library District Board of Trustees continues to research and discuss a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Barrington, relating to the re-routing of Lake Zurich Road to intersect with U.S. Route 14 (Northwest Highway) at the existing traffic signal at Berry Road. This intergovernmental agreement includes the permanent sale of a parcel of land from the library to the village, as well as a request for additional land to be used as a temporary construction easement for an unspecified length of time.
At its February 26 regular meeting, the Village of Barrington Board of Trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Barrington Area Library in regard to the Lake Zurich Road project. The library board has not yet voted on this proposed intergovernmental agreement, and is currently awaiting final appraisals from both its own expert and the Village’s appraiser.
As it continues to review the proposal, the library board is committed to thoroughly researching and thoughtfully considering every aspect of the proposal and its impact on the library district and its services. To date, the library’s board and its administrative staff have exercised due diligence, by:
▶ meeting with representatives of the Village of Barrington and the Illinois Department of Transportation on several occasions,
▶ requesting impact studies and expert opinions from the library’s architect, Engberg Anderson; the Conservation Design Forum (including engineers and landscape architects); and the library’s attorney, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins,
▶ requesting a full appraisal of the property by MaRous & Company,
▶ receiving input on all sides of the issue from a large number of area residents, those from Village neighborhoods near the library property as well as constituents from throughout the library district, and taking that into thoughtful consideration, and
▶ spending many hours in debate and discussion on the numerous variations and the significant impact of the proposal.
The library board’s chief concerns include but are not limited to: the safety of the more than 1,000 daily visitors – 55% of whom are families with young children – entering and exiting the library campus; and the potential loss of 2.337 acres of space, impacting the future growth potential of the site as well as changing the fundamental environment of the library setting.
After the final appraisals are received, the library board will make a decision on the proposed intergovernmental agreement later this spring.
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Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Hwy.
Barrington, IL 60010
balibrary.org
About the library:
Our revitalized, 21st century library is a busy, friendly place that supports lifelong, active learning, and an appreciation for creativity and innovation. Customers of all ages and interests visit our library, expecting to find excellent and informed service, programs and workshops that enrich and inspire, and spaces designed for private work and group collaboration.