An authorization to commence the construction of a Veterans Memorial faced a delay during the recent village board meeting. The controversy centers on its proposed location. The board tabled the authorization and instead passed a resolution to explore alternative sites with a 4-2 vote. Both items will be reconsidered during the board meeting on July 22.
In April 2025, the village board selected the Memorial’s location at the William E. Brook Wetlands Sanctuary, situated along the 990 block of Skidmore Avenue. The revised design situates the Memorial 11 feet from Sequoit Creek with an oval dimension of 50 by 30 feet. There are concerns about wetland stability and encroachment on the waterway buffer.
Kurt Woolford, director of Lake County Stormwater Management, explained that the village of Antioch holds jurisdiction over the permitting process as a certified community. The county does not require direct involvement provided county code ordinances, including wetlands and buffers, are adhered to. However, county and state authority remain applicable under certain conditions.
Previously, a Memorial Park at the corner of Toft Avenue and Orchard Street had been considered. Veterans have shown a preference for this site, as it already hosts a Civil War cannon and a World War II era tank. The motion to explore alternative locations includes this park, necessitating studies on boring samples and other topographical features before the July 22 meeting.
Trustee Mary Pedersen voiced concerns, stating, “The wetlands sanctuary was intended as a memorial, and adding another memorial to it is inadvisable.” She emphasized that the new memorial seeks to honor all veterans, not just those who engaged in combat.
The Antioch Veterans Memorial Committee, initially supported by the Antioch VFW Post 4551 and the Antioch American Legion Post 748, initiated the project. However, these organizations have withdrawn their support due to disagreements over the wetlands location.
Trustee Ed Macek, who initially supported the oval design for reducing wetland impact, noted a funding shortfall of $50,000 for the project. Trustee Brent Bluhardt expressed urgency, reflecting on donations received and emphasizing the need for action.
The village of Antioch is contributing around $60,000 to the Memorial through a private-public partnership. Funds were raised from a 2024 “Thursday Night Concert” event featuring Chris Cagle, with additional contributions from property tax allocations related to veteran home ownership. The revised memorial design transfers the concrete base eastward near Orchard and Depot streets, featuring plaques for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Trustee Rebecca McNeill stressed the importance of legal compliance in the project. Attempts to obtain comments from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources were unsuccessful.