Memorial garden proposed for West Dundee church

An outdoor memorial garden planned for First Congregational Church of Dundee would allow congregation members to inter their loved ones' ashes on church property.

Leaders of the West Dundee church say the roughly 1,700-square-foot terrace, which includes benches, a pergola and various landscaping, would be constructed just west of the church building at 900 S. Eighth St.

The proposal also features a 7-foot-tall columbarium - a structure in which cinerary urns are permanently stored - in the middle of the sunken courtyard.

"The desire for a columbarium has been part of the congregation's will for some time," Senior Pastor Aaron James said. "We would have a space on church property where church members could house the cremated remains of themselves or their loved ones."

Members of the congregation could purchase and reserve a columbarium niche, which would be engraved with the name of the deceased. With areas to sit and reflect, James said, the garden's design would allow for small, intimate memorial services.

The concept, however, was criticized by DAC Properties LLC, a company located in a neighboring office building, 770 Beacon St. In a letter to West Dundee officials, company representative Bob Contaldo said the columbarium garden is incompatible with the surrounding properties, which include a mix of commercial space, residences and the village's public works site.

"We wholeheartedly oppose the project, which quite frankly seems bizarre on every front," he said. The stigma associated with a columbarium, he added, could "have a negative impact on existing property values and surrounding growth."

West Dundee planning and zoning commissioners considered those concerns this week before unanimously approving the proposal, contingent on the installation of year-round screening, such as evergreen trees, to block the terrace.

Because the church indicated it may add expand the garden in the future, commissioners also set a limit of no more than three columbaria.

"It's the church's responsibility to make it ... appropriate for what it is: A respectful place for a burial," Commissioner Jim Kotleba said.

James said a special committee would oversee the garden, manage the funding and ensure it's being used properly.

"That's very important to us as a church," he said. "In order for us to have this be an effective space, we're looking to make this a very secluded space."

The West Dundee village board is expected to consider the proposal this month.