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Historic District Commission votes to investigate low‑impact activation of Brigham Street burial ground
Summary
The Historic District Commission voted Nov. 19 to investigate using the east (non‑grave) portion of the Brigham Street burial ground for a low‑maintenance landscape feature, after members reviewed installed posts and viewed photos. The commission requested design options, maintenance plans and cost estimates for a future decision.
The Northborough Historic District Commission voted Nov. 19 to pursue design work and cost estimates for the east portion of the Brigham Street burial ground that does not contain graves.
Chair Bob Light said the commission had previously approved a post layout and that the posts (14 small posts and one larger post intended to carry a plaque) have already been installed. "We had voted on the post design to separate the field into the grave area and the area without graves," he said while showing photos of the post line and pebble bases.
Leslie Harrison moved the formal motion that the commission "vote to investigate the use of the part of the Brigham Street burial ground, the east part that does not have any graves, as some sort of...use for the area" and to consult landscapers for visions and cost estimates. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call.
Members discussed several principles to guide any future proposal: keep interventions low maintenance so the Department of Public Works could continue routine mowing, favor movable or reversible elements, and identify a clear maintenance lead. Commissioners suggested design options such as a low‑maintenance labyrinth or spiral planting, flush paving stones to allow mowing, and specimen trees if funding allows. A commissioner noted a possible church/state sensitivity if the design adopted overtly religious symbolism.
The commission asked for the following next steps: obtain scaled site drawings or a GIS base from Dave Kane, solicit consultant or landscaper sketches and rough budgets, confirm whether ARPA or CPC funds might apply, and return findings to the commission at a future meeting. Chair Light said he would check with Scott on the plaque status.
The motion recorded at the meeting is procedural (investigation only) and does not authorize construction or funding. Commissioners emphasized that a later formal vote would be required to approve any design, select a contractor, or request CPA/ARPA funds.
