Title
Old German Methodist Cemetery Eagle Scout Project
History
The Old German Methodist Cemetery at 15420 Harlem Avenue is zoned E-1 Estate Residential. Current Geographic Information System (GIS) records indicate the property is owned by the Village. It is believed that any ownership documentation exists in paper form, as the last burial in this cemetery was Louisa Burkhardt, the wife of the second mayor of Orland Park, in 1917. No PDF files exist for this property in digital Cook County property records. As of the writing of this report, a title search is being conducted to confirm ownership.
Since 2020, a Public Works contract has included mowing services for this property, which is adjacent to a Village water tower and wellhouse.
The renovations are being facilitated by Jimmy Sullivan, Orland Park Troop 318 Life Scout, for his Eagle Scout project. Activities to-date include headstone restorations and plant overgrowth removal. Planned activities include fence repairs, a gate installation, and signage installation.
The fence repairs, include the replacement of an estimated 9 rusted posts and 2 broken top rails, plus painting the east, west, and south fence sections (the north side is wooded). If funds allow, sections of fence mesh may be replaced. These activities have been determined to be maintenance; therefore, a fence permit is not required for these items.
The planned gate installation will be along the west property boundary. The gate will swing in towards the cemetery; therefore, an access easement with the neighboring property owner will not be required. The fence permit will be necessary to double-check the proposed plans and specifications prior to the purchase of gate materials and construction, and to facilitate the scheduling of an inspection for proper installation.
The planned sign installation of 2 “Old German Methodist Cemetery” signs and 2 “Illinois Cemetery Protection Act” signs are exempt from permit requirements, as current property...
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