With the United States’ 250th birthday less than two months away, one part of Kane County’s celebration still remains undecided: where the county will put an elm tree and a plaque recognizing several Revolutionary War patriots buried in the county, donated by the local Daughters of the American Revolution.
On Tuesday, at its monthly meeting, the Kane County Board shot down a proposal to build a “Declaration Square” in honor of America’s 250th behind the county courthouse site in Geneva, leaving the tree and plaque still without a permanent home in the county.
The county accepted the historical marker and “Liberty Tree” from the Elias Kent Kane Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, meant to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, in November.
Since then, however, the project has generated some concern among board members in relation to its planned location and potential cost.
When the donation was accepted, the proposed location for the historical marker and tree — an American elm which was grown from seed since last spring — was the Kane County Courthouse at 100 S. Third St. in Geneva.
The area in front of the courthouse building along Third Street had originally been considered, but it was decided the abundance of trees there would make for difficult growing conditions for the sapling. From there, the county landed on a spot in the middle of the parking lot behind the courthouse, proposing a central square be made around the tree in that location.
But that site — along with the possible costs — have prompted pushback from the board since.
In April, following some board discussion, a vote on an official measure recommending a concept plan and budget estimate for the square was tabled until May.
And with the United States’ 250th coming up in July, the county is under some time pressure to make plans for the commemorative tree and plaque.
As of last month, the county was aiming to have a groundbreaking or ceremonial event for the square and tree in July as part of the 250th anniversary festivities, with plans to start construction after and complete the project in 2028.
But now, its fate is uncertain.
The proposal that came to the full board on Tuesday was again for the square to sit in the parking lot median of the courthouse, with plans for architecture and engineering firm Wight & Company to donate its services and create the concept plan for the site. The county would be responsible for working out site preparation and cement work.
“This is going to cost you no money,” Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog said towards the end of a nearly six-hour meeting Tuesday, which largely revolved around budgetary matters. “Everyone just take a breath.”
According to Pierog, the proposed budget for the project is around $500,000 — with half of that planned to be paid for via fundraising, and half via in-kind contributions from contractors.
Under consideration Tuesday was approval of the location and site plan for the project, so that the county can begin its fundraising efforts.
But the board was unable to reach consensus about the location or plans for the proposed square.
Reiterating her disapproval of the planned site, board member Michelle Gumz noted that the board has considered the proposal multiple times, but still hasn’t approved it.
Cost and county staff time also came up as concerns.
Board member Jarett Sanchez, for example, asked how much staff time will be spent on the project, to which Pierog said staff will be working with the contractors for the project to make sure it’s done in line with county code and standards.
Board member Jon Gripe, noting that the original approval was only for the tree and plaque, said he estimated the project could cost around $1 million, whether that’s paid for by the county or not.
And some effort has already been expended, he said, pointing out that meetings have already been going on with county staff about the project.
“Money has been spent, money’s going to be spent,” Gripe said. “I’m not saying it wouldn’t be worth it, but I think the board deserves the opportunity to see a budget, what exactly is the county going to have to pay for.”
As a solution, Gripe suggested the tree could be planted somewhere temporarily and then transported to the proposed site or another location in the future.
But Tuesday’s discussion ultimately ended with the site plan getting voted down by the board. Noting that planting the tree at the courthouse was the Daughters of the American Revolution’s requested site, Pierog said the county will now have to meet with the group about the board’s decision to vote down the courthouse proposal.
The Elias Kent Kane Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution said, in a statement to The Beacon-News on Wednesday, that it “respects the County Board’s decision” regarding the site plan on Tuesday, and remain “committed to working collaboratively with the county to identify an appropriate and meaningful location for the tree and marker.”
The local chapter said it is open to alternative county sites, so long as the location “continues to uphold the historical intent of the project and ensures public visibility and educational value.”
mmorrow@chicagotribune.com
