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Cemetery plan takes uneasy step forward
(by Sue Reid - September 24, 2008)
Cemetery plan takes uneasy step forward
By SUE REID
South Russell Village Council approved a motion Monday authorizing expenditures of up to $4,750 for preliminary engineering, including continued concept design and estimates, for a municipal cemetery.
Council approved a resolution earlier this year that set aside two village-owned parcels with a little over seven acres on the west side of Chillicothe Road (Route 306), south of Bell Road.
The motion followed a presentation by cemetery committee member Cindy Nairn, who read the mission statement created by the group, as well as the reasons behind the site location.
"We took a field trip and walked other parcels," Ms. Nairn said, and the committee met with village Engineer Ned Foley to go over drawings and the history of the parcel on Chillicothe Road.
Councilman William Koons said he has expressed his displeasure with the location to members of the committee.
"I think it's too valuable a piece of property for a cemetery," he said. "I don't see a cemetery on Route 306."
In 2000, the village purchased five acres of the parcel, referred to as the Mezzie property, for $300,000. In 2002, it purchased the former Wilbur property, which comprises four acres at the site, for $150,000. A rental house on the Wilbur property currently is occupied.
"I am so passionate about having a cemetery for the village," Ms. Nairn said. "I think the best thing is to move forward on a positive direction."
She said that, while she somewhat agrees with Mr. Koons, "the committee felt that was the best location. It's not right on 306." She said there will be a buffer zone to handle the noise, which was a consideration of the committee. Down the road, aesthetically, it will be beautiful, she said of the location.
"I support that location," Councilman Mark Porter said. "I think it's a good location."
"It's important that it's well-received in the village," Ms. Nairn said. "Just so it's not right up on 306, that would be the best choice. For a long time, we discussed the pros and the cons."
Mr. Porter asked Ms. Nairn if the committee has had dialogue with residents of the neighboring Chagrin Lakes subdivision.
Historically, residents there have been agreeable with a cemetery, Mayor Matthew E. Brett said. There is a significant buffer there, and it would not have much impact on their neighborhood, he said of some of the comments he has heard.
Councilman John Dishong said that, in the past, the Chagrin Lakes community fought retail office space going in that area "pretty hard."
Councilman John Binder said he spoke with residents of Chagrin Lakes, and they were not aware of the possibility of a cemetery going on that site.
Mr. Brett said this was the first time the cemetery committee has gone before Village Council, stating its intent to go with the property that's been identified. The committee wanted to give council the update, he said. "They really wrestled with this location."
"I think we should get input from the neighbors before we start bringing backhoes," Mr. Binder said.
Prior to making the motion for the engineering services, Mr. Binder said that, "in the state of the economy," officials should think about making expenditures "that are not mandatory. I think we should watch every penny." At the same time, he said, he does not think it's appropriate to give the cemetery the green light but not provide the money to do the job.
Mr. Brett said he would like to see council authorize the expenditure. He thanked the committee for its dedication in such a short time. "It really says a lot about the people involved," he said.
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