Historic Review Commission finds reasonable cause for Erie Cemetery, recommends listing to city council

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission voted Dec. 1 to determine there is reasonable cause that Erie Cemetery meets the city’s criteria for historic designation and to forward a positive recommendation to City Council.

Staff member Matthew, who presented the nomination on behalf of the Erie Cemetery Association, told commissioners the site dates to the mid-19th century — with incorporation in 1850 and an official opening in 1851 — and embodies the rural cemetery design movement through its winding drives, topography and collection of monuments. “If someone who was alive in 1850 or 1860 after the cemetery was created were transported to today, would they be able to understand that this is still Erie Cemetery? And, yes,” Matthew said during the presentation.

Matthew also highlighted the nomination’s ties to locally significant individuals and structures, noting the cemetery’s association with Emma Hay, who served as superintendent from 1892 to 1916 and is presented in the nomination as an early woman to hold such a post in the funeral-care field. The staff report framed the nomination under local ordinance criteria B (association with significant persons), C (distinctive characteristics of a type or period) and F (unique location or visual presence).

Becky Weiser, representing the Erie Cemetery Association, addressed the commission to explain preservation needs and community programming. “We have over 55,000 people in Erie Cemetery right now, and we still have some space,” Weiser said, describing volunteer gravestone-cleaning efforts, an “adopt an urn” program and cemetery tours that draw local audiences.

A commissioner moved to determine there is reasonable cause for the nomination (motion language read into the record); Melinda Meyer seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Following staff guidance on process, the commission then voted to provide a positive recommendation to City Council that Erie Cemetery be listed on the City of Erie register of historic places under the cited criteria; Wanda Meyer seconded that motion and it passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the Planning Commission is scheduled to review the nomination on Dec. 16; after that hearing the nomination will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing and council action. Staff said they would prepare the formal recommendation language and required materials for the next steps.

What was not decided: the HRC’s action at this meeting was a local procedural determination and recommendation; final listing requires the public hearing and City Council action. Details such as the exact scope of protections or any funding commitments were not decided at the HRC meeting.