Des Plaines & Chicago District Camp Ground Reach Settlement Agreement

Published on April 29, 2026

Press Release 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City of Des Plaines and Chicago District Camp Ground Reach Settlement Agreement

Agreement eliminates unsafe property and flood conditions and preserves the site and the Waldorf Tabernacle 

Des Plaines, IL—The City of Des Plaines and the Chicago District Camp Ground Association and Chicago District Camp Ground, Inc. (collectively known as the Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground) have reached a settlement regarding unsafe property conditions, flood control regulation violations, and various related legal claims. The City Council will consider approval of the agreement at its May 4, 2026, meeting. 

Under the terms of the settlement agreement:

  • The City will acquire approximately 22 acres of the 27 acres of the property with a closing date of October 31, 2026, or earlier if all conditions are met. The property will be subdivided accordingly.
  • The Camp Ground will retain approximately 5 acres located on the southeast portion of the existing parcel.
  • The City will relocate the historic Waldorf Tabernacle building, at the City’s expense, onto the Camp Ground’s 5-acre portion of the property, reflecting the City’s commitment to the historic site and the importance of the unique Tabernacle to the Camp Ground.
  • The City will allow the Camp Ground to park on a portion of the City-owned parcel. City parking rules will apply, including a prohibition on storage or long-term parking.
  • The Camp Ground will have the opportunity, at the Camp Ground’s expense, to relocate selected structures within 90 days of closing from the structures’ current locations on the property to the Camp Ground parcel, and the Camp Ground must maintain its parcel in compliance with the City Code.
  • Upon acquisition of the City parcel, the City plans to demolish all remaining structures to comply with outstanding code violations and create open space connecting Northwestern Woods and Camp Ground Road Woods.
  • The City will make a restricted settlement payment to the Camp Ground of $4,000,000, payable only upon closing and only after numerous preconditions have been satisfied. The Camp Ground may only use the settlement amount for matters related to the Camp Ground parcel and must provide the City with biannual reports on costs and expenditures from the settlement amount.
  • The City will apply for grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with other state and federal sources, to reimburse the fair market value of the City parcel and related demolition costs. The anticipated grant funding would partially offset the settlement costs, while the legal expenses of continuing litigation without this agreement are estimated to be extremely high.

The settlement agreement respects the historic nature of the property and allows the Camp Ground to continue to stay in Des Plaines while also greatly benefiting the City, as follows:

  • All structures will be removed from the floodway, which will resolve City Code violations and floodway issues, helping Des Plaines comply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. This will enable City property owners to continue to obtain flood insurance through the NFIP at reduced rates. Without compliance, flood insurance premiums for about 1,800 City property owners would increase by as much as $7,000 per household per year.
    • NFIP participant communities that do not enforce flood control regulations can be sanctioned, downgraded, or removed under NFIP rules, which can significantly raise residents’ flood insurance costs.
  • The demolition of structures also resolves the dangerous and unsafe conditions related to the structures on the property and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) concerns related to septic tanks in the floodway.
  • The 22-acre parcel to be acquired by the City includes the property’s riverfront and a driveway connection from Camp Ground Road. This makes it possible to link the public parks and trails in Northwestern Woods and Camp Ground Road Woods into one continuous green space for everyone to enjoy.
  • The Camp Ground will keep a smaller, five-acre piece of the historic property outside of the floodway so it can stay on the land pursuant to its charter, but in a size it can better manage. Under the agreement, all of the settlement amounts that the Camp Ground receives must be used to maintain and improve the Camp Ground parcel and to support Camp Ground activities on that parcel.

Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said, “I am pleased that our negotiations have resulted in this settlement between Des Plaines and the Camp Ground. The agreement provides a balanced solution that improves public safety, preserves an important historic site, and protects taxpayers. Our community deeply values institutions of faith, and we appreciate the Camp Ground’s partnership in reaching this resolution.” 

About the City of Des Plaines: The City of Des Plaines is a vibrant suburban community located just northwest of Chicago and adjacent to O’Hare International Airport. Guided by a strategic plan focused on community character, reimagined growth, infrastructure and mobility, and municipal excellence, the City is committed to providing high-quality services, supporting thoughtful development, and enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

### 

Contact: 

Brad Goodman 

City of Des Plaines 

847-391-6122

bgoodman@desplainesil.gov

 

 

 

 

 

Tagged as:
Back to top