Barrington could lose its National Register of Historic Places designation within five years because houses and other buildings are being torn down at an alarming rate, a preservation architect said.
“We once had a fine [historic] district, but we’ve squandered those resources,” Linda Grubb told village trustees. “Our district has become a laughingstock at the state level with what not to do. We’re going to lose our designation.”
Trustees are considering an ordinance that would establish rules homeowners must follow for remodeling in the historic district.
The area is bordered by Applebee Street, Dundee Avenue, Spring Street and Hillside Avenue. It includes about 520 structures. The downtown business center is not part of the district.
David Schmidt, chairman of the committee of the whole, told members Monday that some residents have concerns about overregulation.
“There are people who don’t want to be constrained,” he said.
The committee agreed to send notices to residents to get their reactions before a final vote.
On another matter, trustees were reluctant to approve an ordinance that would ban businesses that don’t generate sales tax revenue from occupying first-floor space in the downtown business district.
Redevelopment advocates have said that retail businesses on the ground floor attract shoppers. But trustees fear that limiting first-floor space to retailers might increase the vacancy rate.
