Hope Cemetery commissioners pick consultant, outline phased plan for maintenance-yard redesign

The Hope Cemetery Commission on Sept. 15 selected Lamoreaux Pagano Associates (LPA) to develop designs and a phased plan to renovate the cemetery’s maintenance yard and adjacent areas, a staff presenter told commissioners.

The presenter, identified in the transcript only as a commissioner (name not specified in the transcript), said the city “were allocated some capital money for the beginning phases of work or design for the maintenance area” and added, “we have made a decision to go with Lamoreaux Pagano Associates, LPA, for a review and proposal from them to do some legwork on the redesign of that entire area.”

Why it matters: commissioners said the work is intended to improve staff functionality and long-term resilience of the site while addressing visible frontage on Webster Street and the fence that runs toward Fremont Street. The commission will review LPA’s options and cost estimates before the city seeks approvals from historic-preservation bodies.

Commission briefing and scope The presenter described the footprint for study as the area behind the barn and the existing white maintenance building, extending toward Webster Street and down toward Fremont Street. The redesign will aim to improve staff accommodations, storage and circulation, and to include fencing and visual screening so the maintenance area better fits the streetscape.

“We felt like they were the best...suited for what we were trying to do there, both for the historical preservation side, but as well as the functionality side,” the presenter said of LPA, adding the goal is to build infrastructure that will last: the commission does not want “something that is functionally obsolete by the time I’m done with it.”

Timeline, next steps and community outreach The presenter said staff and the consultant have already met and are “working through the contract,” with an expected package of options coming to commissioners in January or February. The presenter said the commission will review plans and cost estimates before staff goes to historic-review agencies.

The presenter said a formal survey of the site has not yet been done and must be completed to get grades and define what can be changed. The presenter described outreach as a later step: after surveys and conceptual options are developed, staff plans to meet with Preservation Worcester and the Massachusetts Historical Commission and hold a public hearing.

Equipment and other capital components The presenter reported that roughly half of the cemetery equipment identified for capital replacement has been ordered; the remainder is pending confirmation from on-site staff. The presenter also said the commission will consider electrical infrastructure for future electric mowers and other longer-term needs.

Site features and preservation goals Commissioners asked about preserving existing stone walls and an older mausoleum area behind the barn. The presenter said the plan will attempt to save and restore visible stone walls where feasible and that an internal stone wall covered in vegetation will be evaluated for renovation. The presenter described the old mausoleum area as currently used for some storage but not as a primary functional storage solution.

Security and appearance The presenter said security improvements and careful visual design are priorities. The plan will consider fencing, screening plantings and how the maintenance building presents to Webster Street so the site does not appear “like it's a used car lot.”

Votes at a glance - Motion to accept minutes: approved by roll call (see actions). - Motion to adjourn: approved by roll call (see actions).

What’s next Staff and the selected consultant will finalize the contract and return to the commission with options and estimates in the coming months; commissioners will be asked to approve a preferred plan before staff seeks reviews from Preservation Worcester and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.