Council approves resolution to reclaim long-unused plots in historic city cemetery

The Roanoke City Council on Oct. 16 approved a resolution directing city staff to notify owners of historic city-cemetery lots that have not been used for burial in more than 60 years and to begin a legal process to claim and, if unclaimed, resell those lots.

Carol (city staff) and Ashley described the process and outreach plan, which includes newspaper advertising, a city newsletter and targeted word-of-mouth. Carol said the city has coordinated with counsel Justin Wayman and cemetery sexton Brandon Russell to establish procedures. "We're going to put it in the newspaper...we're gonna put it in the newsletter," Ashley said, noting the city will attempt direct outreach and is not seeking to rush the process.

Council members asked how claimants would prove ownership; staff said claimants must file a notice of legal interest and provide documentation, and counsel Justin Wayman will review proofs. The resolution sets 60 years of nonuse as the threshold for initiating notice and allows staff to begin with a limited set of lots as a test; Exhibit A identifies five lots for the pilot.

Council approved the resolution and separately approved Exhibit A to allow staff to proceed with outreach and the legal process. The vote on the resolution and Exhibit A was unanimous among members present. Staff said they will report back to council on results and any contested claims; councilmembers requested documentation be included in minutes and future reports so elected officials remain apprised of any legal steps or contested ownership claims.