Downtown property owner says prolonged approvals cost lease deals, urges faster village review

Kevin Carter, who identified himself as the owner of the building at 222 South Cook Street, told the Barrington Village Board during public comment that he lost a near-ready tenant because the village approval process ‘‘stretched on and on.’’

“I had kind of a full asking price tenant ... we were at the 5-yard line with just some minor details to work out ... but for the most part kind of had a handshake agreement and they were ready to sign a lease,” Carter said. He said the prospective tenant chose a different space after delays in the approval process.

Carter said he has invested heavily in the building and is seeking a long-term, stable tenant rather than a series of short-term occupants. “I’d love to avoid the ‘for rent’ sign becoming kind of a permanent fixture,” he said, and asked the village to consider ways to shorten review timelines so property owners can finalize leases before prospects take other options.

Why it matters: Downtown tenant occupancy affects local business vibrancy and property owners’ willingness to invest. Carter framed delays as a practical barrier to retention of higher-quality, longer-term tenants and offered to work with village officials to find solutions.

Board response: President Moran thanked Carter for his comments. The meeting record shows no formal direction or motion in response; no follow-up task was recorded during the session.

Next step: Carter said he is continuing to pursue tenants and will keep working with village officials; if the board or staff elects to study or change review timelines, that action would be documented at a subsequent meeting.