State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) held a press conference with local mayors from the Barrington area to express opposition to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent housing proposal. The event, which took place Thursday in Lake Barrington, focused on concerns that the plan would override local zoning authority and impose uniform mandates on communities throughout Illinois.
McLaughlin was joined by municipal leaders who shared apprehensions about the potential impact of the governor’s plan. According to them, the proposal could erode long-standing zoning practices designed to maintain the character of individual communities.
“This proposal from the governor is a one size fits all solution that doesn’t solve affordability. What it does do is it violates zoning, which is a sacrosanct rule to protect all homeowners, businesses, and families,” McLaughlin said during the event. “The communities that we live in need to be protected, and the communities where this type of development fits are usually along busy rail lines and other high-density corridors. The Barrington region is more rural, with farms, and has been that way intentionally. Zoning isn’t exclusionary. The zoning is to protect the real nature of the community from 100 years ago, and so it will be protected for those to enjoy it 100 years from now.”
He argued that decisions about development should remain with local officials rather than being dictated by state government. McLaughlin also warned that broad mandates from Springfield could affect property values, disrupt infrastructure planning, and change established neighborhoods permanently.
“Our local officials understand the unique needs of their towns,” McLaughlin added. “We must protect local decision-making and ensure that any efforts to address housing affordability respect the diversity of communities across Illinois.”
McLaughlin has represented Illinois’ 52nd House District since 2021 after succeeding David McSweeney as state representative.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the rural character of the Barrington area while considering locally driven approaches to housing issues.
A recording of the full press conference can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGoHFuAHlUw.
For further information, constituents can contact Rep. Martin McLaughlin’s office by phone or email.
