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Trenton council holds second CDBG hearing on cemetery road project awarded $41,807
Summary
At a second public hearing, Trenton officials described a Community Development Block Grant–funded Trenton Cemetery Road remodel and rebuild project that will repave a rough south road, add parking and a future accessible pad and restroom; the grant award is $41,807.30 against a total project cost estimated at $46,807.30.
At a second public hearing Tuesday, the Trenton Town Council outlined a Community Development Block Grant-funded project to remodel and rebuild the road serving Trenton Cemetery.
Councilman Eric Simmons and Clerk McCall Smith told residents the regional scoring process awarded the project $41,807.30; council members said the total project cost will be $46,807.30.
The council said the work will be phased. “We’re gonna take that out. We’re gonna dig it up. We’re gonna cut all the roots out and get rid of all those. Then we’re gonna repave that,” Councilman Eric Simmons said when describing the first phase. Simmons added the plan includes extending the southwest corner into an adjacent hay field to create more parking and a pad; later phases would add a handicap-accessible pad and a restroom.
Clerk McCall Smith read the formal notice: “This hearing was called to allow all citizens to provide input concerning the project that was awarded under the 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program.” The hearing record reflects the town’s amended capital investment plan and the council’s decision to apply for funds on behalf of the Trenton Cemetery Road Remodel and Rebuild project.
Residents at the hearing described current conditions inside the cemetery: deep bumps and tree roots that make the south road difficult or impossible for a wheelchair to navigate. One speaker said the extension and new parking would help people enter and exit services more easily; another asked whether the restroom plan included a septic tank and drain field. Council members confirmed that a septic system and drain field are part of the planned restroom in the field near the new parking pad.
Council members and residents also discussed the federal grant process. “Only 25% of people that apply for federal grants are awarded the money,” a council member said, noting the award required environmental reviews, public hearings and other administrative steps before the town can sign a construction contract. Council members said environmental review and other state and federal steps remain before construction spending begins.
The council opened and closed the public hearing by motion (procedural votes recorded in meeting minutes). No substantive changes to the project scope were proposed during the session.
The council said the first construction phase (asphalt and root removal) would be prioritized; the accessible pad and restroom are planned for a later phase depending on funding and approvals.
The council advised residents that copies of the capital investment plan were available for public review and that the town will notify residents about timing through the newsletter.
