Community Corner

Opinions Matter on Rte. 14 Grade Separation

An overpass was not a popular option among those interviewed at Barrington High School public hearing.

 

 

The village of Barrington and IDOT hosted a meeting on the proposed alternatives for U.S. Route 14 grade separation from the CN railway project. One of the purposes of the meeting was to garner public opinion on the alternatives, an overpass or an underpass. 

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Barrington Patch talked to some of the attendees at the

Here is what people are saying:

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Misty Meinig, a resident of Jewel Park in Barrington—“We do not want an overpass. But the underpass proposal would take out eight homes in Jewel Park,” she said. Meinig said her family just moved to Jewel Park last summer and they were attracted by the beauty and historic character of the community. She said her Jewel Park neighbors are urging that planners re-explore an option to shift the underpass south and avoid displacing eight homes.

Paul Wells, a realtor with RE/MAX of Barrington—“The railroad is determining the destiny of a city. This will change the face of Barrington and not in a positive way. Ultimately, the only winner is the railway,” he said. Wells did not like either alternative and said he was concerned that property values in Barrington would be negatively affected. 

Joan Wolfgram, Barrington Hills—“The overpass is unacceptable. The underpass looks better but it takes out houses in historic Jewel Park; that’s the history of the town. There is no good solution.” 

Karen Gross, Barrington Jewel Park—“I wish Mayor Daley’s people would come out and see what they have caused. (Former Mayor Richard Daley supported the plan to reroute train traffic through the suburbs.) I’ve lived in Jewel Park for 36 years; it’s a beautiful community. 

Dan Wolfgram, Barrington Hills—“The underpass shows more promise for pedestrian traffic. The overpass really separates one part of the community from the other,” he said. 

Larry and Betty Lincoln of Barrington—The residents who have lived in the village since 1964 said they prefer the underpass plan.

The Village of North Barrington passed a resolution, dated April 24, in support of the undepass alternative.

 

Public comment is still being accepted through May 9.


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