Controversial Veterans Memorial Site Faces Delays

Authorization for construction on a Veterans Memorial, facing controversy due to its location, was postponed during Wednesday’s village board meeting. A resolution to explore alternative sites for the project passed with a 4-2 vote. Both issues will be addressed again at the July 22 session.

The village board selected the memorial’s site in the William E. Brook Wetlands Sanctuary in April 2025, along Skidmore Avenue. The revised design situates the memorial within 11 feet of Sequoit Creek, with an oval shape of 50×30 feet. Concerns include wetland stability and encroachment on waterway buffers. The project’s placement on a wetlands conservancy has sparked controversy.

“Antioch is a certified community, and the permitting process is designated to them,” stated Kurt Woolford, director of Lake County Stormwater Management. “We haven’t seen any plans, as it conforms to county code ordinances, with wetlands and buffers included. Our authority applies in certain cases, similar to the state of Illinois,” he added. “For this project, Antioch has jurisdiction with its own permits and engineers.”

A previous site under consideration is a memorial park at Toft Avenue and Orchard Street. Veterans prefer this location due to the presence of a Civil War cannon and a WWII-era tank. The motion to investigate alternative sites includes the memorial park, requiring surveys and topographical data to be ready before the July 22 meeting.

“The wetlands sanctuary was intended as a memorial, and adding another isn’t advisable,” said trustee Mary Pedersen. “This memorial isn’t just for combat veterans but all veterans. It’s disrespectful to the work of prior boards.”

The Antioch Veterans Memorial Committee, a non-profit, initiated the project, initially with members from Antioch VFW Post 4551 and Antioch American Legion Post 748. These groups have since withdrawn due to disagreements over the wetlands location.

“I originally supported the oval design as it was less invasive on the wetlands, yet I was the lone ‘no’ vote,” said Trustee Ed Macek. “I also know the project is $50,000 short of its funding target.”

Trustee Brent Bluhardt mentioned, “Donors have given their money, and inaction could discourage future donations. We’ve voted already, and we need to proceed.”

Antioch plans to contribute roughly $60,000 through a public-private partnership toward the memorial. Funds come from VIP ticket sales for a Chris Cagle concert in 2024 and additional property tax revenue from veteran homeowners.

The revised memorial design moves the concrete base farther east of the intersection at Orchard and Depot streets and will feature plaques honoring all U.S. Armed Forces branches. “I want to make sure we handle this legally,” stated trustee Rebecca McNeill. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources did not respond to requests for comment regarding waterway regulations.