Barrington CUSD 220 opposes rezoning of Plum Farms property over data‑center concerns

The Barrington CUSD 220 Board of Education told the village of Hoffman Estates it opposes rezoning the Plum Farms property for potential data‑center development, citing environmental and operational concerns.

At the meeting the board said staff member Dr. Wkelman researched a prior public comment about proposed rezoning and reported potential impacts including air‑quality effects, generator and cooling noise, increased heavy truck traffic, higher electrical infrastructure demand and greater water consumption. The board said those factors, along with general incompatibility with the surrounding area, inform its opposition.

The board said it will send a formal letter to the village of Hoffman Estates outlining these concerns. Members framed the action as an effort to ensure the village considers the district’s concerns when evaluating land‑use changes.

The discussion was informational; the board did not vote on an ordinance or seek standing to block a rezoning. The board’s intent to send a letter is an administrative communication to the village.