Western Reader
The city of Des Plaines is facing serious allegations of intentionally flooding a historic Christian campground. The camp, which has been a beacon of faith since 1860, is now at risk of permanent closure due to the city’s alleged actions.
For over a decade and a half, the campground has endured repeated flooding incidents, far surpassing anything it had previously experienced in its long history along the banks of the Des Plaines River.
Initially believed to be natural disasters, it has now come to light these floods may have been orchestrated by the city through its flood control infrastructure.
Intentional or not, the Christian camp got flooded and the city is both glad and not helping out…https://t.co/ioSpzqkWkX
— Larry Thompson (@LarryThomp38632) September 25, 2023
The floods have caused significant damage to the campground’s historic structures. According to the lawsuit, the city’s refusal to allow prayer and worship on the property led to a falling out. The city is accused of retaliating against the campground under the guise of enforcement action based on flood damage, which the city itself allegedly caused.
The campground, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, argues that its original charter provides protections, including the right to use and adorn its land as it sees fit.
However, the city’s flood control project built a levee around the campground, leaving it unprotected while benefiting other properties. This project subsequently moved the campground into a regulatory floodway.
The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court by lawyers from Liberty Institute and Kirkland & Ellis, is a response to the city’s agenda to force the camp to renovate or demolish 50 structures on its land.
The camp officials argue that the city’s true intention is to harm the religious organization because it did not comply with city demands during a revival event held three years ago amidst the COVID pandemic.
JUST IN: Biden Trying To Deport Persecuted Christian Family While Thousands Of Illegals Flood Country Dailyhttps://t.co/WdV14SeQv1
— FFT1776™ Fight for Truth & Justice (@FFT1776) September 25, 2023
The camp further alleges that the city’s Levee 50 operation directed floodwaters toward the campground, causing additional flooding and harm to its 35 acres and some of its buildings.
The camp, run by a board of trustees, sought help from Liberty Institute, known for its work in protecting religious liberties. They argue that the First Amendment and state provisions regarding religious freedom protect them from government interference.
The relationship between the city and the campground deteriorated after a revival event held during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
The city’s attitude changed when some attendees did not wear masks, despite evidence suggesting their limited effectiveness. The camp claims this hostility resulted in citations for various structures and city demands to control the camp’s activities.
This case is more than just a dispute over flood damage; it’s a battle for religious freedom. It serves as a reminder that our rights, protected by the Constitution, must be defended against any government overreach.
This article appeared in FreshOffThePress and has been published here with permission.
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