Antioch trustees weigh whether to move veterans memorial after veterans groups object to wetlands site

The Antioch Committee of the Whole spent most of its meeting debating where and when to build a long‑planned veterans memorial after veterans groups and many residents urged moving the project from a wetlands site that several speakers said would be symbolically inappropriate and logistically risky.

The memorial’s organizing group reported $227,288 raised to date and told trustees the six branch monuments and an eagle sculpture have been fabricated or delivered and are being stored. "We have raised $227,288," said Deb Rettner, a representative of the Veterans Memorial Committee, and reported a current bank balance at the meeting. Village staff estimated outstanding materials and site work at "around $50,000" more to complete the project as designed.

Why it matters: veterans’ organizations including the American Legion and the VFW have sent letters opposing the selected location, saying it encroaches on the William E. Brook wetland memorial and does not convey adequate permanence or dignity. Speakers at the meeting said the location choice has split veterans and residents, imperiling donations and volunteer commitments.

Trustees split over next steps. Several trustees urged setting a groundbreaking date now to lock in contractor donations and avoid higher costs, arguing donors may withdraw if work is repeatedly delayed. Others pressed for re‑evaluation of the site and asked staff to estimate the cost and timeline for engineering, soil borings and any environmental review should the board consider the alternative "tank" site across from the post office.

The village attorney and staff emphasized a procedural limit: the Committee of the Whole is for discussion only and no final action could be taken at the meeting. Mayor Gardner directed staff to meet with the village administrator, legal counsel, public works and contractors and return with options and any permit or study needs.

Voices at the meeting included veterans who pressed for the tank site and representatives of the memorial committee who said donations and material purchases (including monuments stored out of state) make further delay costly. "A memorial should stand on solid ground," said Michael Mera, who identified himself as a resident and veteran during public comment.

What happens next: staff will report back with permitting, engineering and cost information so trustees can consider a formal agenda item. At least one trustee asked that the question of relocating the memorial be placed as a binding item on a future agenda; the board did not take that action at the meeting.

The Committee of the Whole adjourned the discussion without a vote and moved on to other agenda items.