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Friends of Hope Cemetery seek funds to reset headstones after vehicle damage; commission considers prevention steps
Summary
Commission staff reported an accident that overturned headstones and said insurance and accident recovery staff are working on repairs; Friends of Hope Cemetery are seeking funds to re-erect markers and are holding a May event. Commissioners discussed letters to driving schools, signage and park-security patrols to reduce damage.
At a meeting of the Hope Cemetery Commission, the assistant commissioner said an accident report was filed after recent vehicle damage that overturned several headstones. He told commissioners the city has the vehicle owner and driver information and that the city’s accident-recovery and insurance contacts are pursuing approvals to repair or replace affected stones.
The assistant commissioner said staff will try to complete repairs before Memorial Day but cautioned that insurance processes can delay payment and work. He also said the Friends of Hope Cemetery are seeking funding to re-erect and upright headstones and that staff have provided a letter of support while the Friends pursue funding; the assistant commissioner said he expected more clarity on the Friends’ funding applications in June.
The assistant commissioner also promoted an upcoming Friends event in May, noting free coffee from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a historic walk at about 11 a.m. and visits to some mausoleums around midday; when asked about the date, he said the event would be Saturday, May 24, and offered printed copies of the announcement.
Commissioners raised recurring operational concerns about people learning to drive in the cemetery and the resulting damage to stones and property. The assistant commissioner said the city plans to send letters to driving schools to remind them that driving practice is not allowed in Hope Cemetery and that park-security staff patrols are used to address violations; he said signage exists but is often not observed. Discussion noted that some drivers are not affiliated with driving schools but are parents or other drivers instructing learners.
No formal commission action was taken on repairs or the Friends’ fundraising at the meeting. Commissioners were reminded that new business items must be submitted at least three days before a meeting to be placed on the agenda.
