Controversy Surrounding Veterans Memorial Location Intensifies

Authorization for beginning work on a Veterans Memorial has been delayed due to ongoing controversy over its location. During a village board meeting on Wednesday, a resolution was passed with a 4-2 vote to explore alternative sites for the project. Both the authorization and the newly passed resolution will be reconsidered at the board’s session on July 22.

Initially, the village board selected the William E. Brook Wetlands Sanctuary as the memorial site in April 2025. This location, located along the 990-block of Skidmore Avenue, led to design revisions placing the memorial 11 feet from Sequoit Creek. The memorial would cover an area measuring 50 by 30 feet. Concerns have been raised regarding the stability of the wetland and encroachment on the waterway buffer.

Kurt Woolford, director of Lake County Stormwater Management, stated, “Antioch, as a certified community, is responsible for the permitting process, provided county code ordinances related to wetlands and buffers are adhered to. The city of Antioch holds jurisdiction with its permitting and engineering teams, though the county and state retain some authority.”

Previously considered as an alternative site, the memorial park at Toft Avenue and Orchard Street has drawn interest from veterans due to its historical artifacts, including a Civil War cannon and a WWII-era tank. The board’s decision to seek other sites, including the memorial park, involves compiling boring samples and topographical details ahead of the July 22 meeting.

Trustee Mary Pedersen expressed her concerns during the meeting, saying, “The wetlands sanctuary was originally created as a memorial, and adding another memorial there is not advisable. This project honors all veterans, not just those who served in combat, and disrespects the efforts of previous boards.”

The proposal originated from the Antioch Veterans Memorial Committee, a non-profit group, initially involving Antioch VFW Post 4551 and Antioch American Legion Post 748 members. Dissension over the wetlands site led to their withdrawal from the project.

Trustee Ed Macek highlighted his past opposition, “I supported the oval design for less intrusion on the wetlands, but I stood alone in voting ‘no’ back then. The project is also $50,000 short of its funding goal.” Trustee Brent Bluhardt added, “Donors are withholding their funds due to inaction. We already voted; it’s time to proceed.”

Antioch has pledged approximately $60,000 to the memorial through a private-public partnership. The funds arise from VIP ticket sales for a 2024 “Thursday Night Concert” kickoff by Chris Cagle, alongside additional property tax disbursements related to veteran home ownership. The modified design relocates the concrete base eastward of Orchard and Depot streets, featuring monolith plaques honoring all U.S. Armed Forces branches.

Trustee Rebecca McNeill commented on the need for legality assurance, “I just want to ensure all legalities are observed.” The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was approached for comment regarding waterway regulations but did not respond.