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City hearing spotlights Erie Cemetery nomination, association says designation would aid preservation
Summary
At a public hearing, city historic‑preservation staff and the Erie Cemetery Association outlined the cemetery’s 175‑year history, preservation needs and grant eligibility; councilors raised questions about inclusive storytelling and maintenance funding; the nomination proceeds to later ordinance action.
Matthew Falcone, the city’s historic preservation planner, told Erie City Council that the nomination to list Erie Cemetery at 2116 Chestnut Street on the city’s register of historic places was recommended by the Historic Review Commission on Dec. 1 under criteria B, C and F, citing association with Emma Hay, the site’s nineteenth‑century rural‑cemetery design and its visual prominence in the Little Italy neighborhood.
"It sits within the heart of our Little Italy neighborhood," Falcone said, summarizing the commission’s findings and the next steps in the review process. He noted earlier consideration by the historic review and planning commissions and invited testimony at the hearing.
Becky Weiser, speaking for the Erie Cemetery Association, said the cemetery spans roughly 75 acres, contains about 55,000 interments and is celebrating its 175th year. She described preservation efforts, including work on the Scott Mausoleum and volunteer programs, and said historic designation would improve the association’s eligibility for preservation grants.
"Being a historic spot in the city of Erie will allow us, hopefully, to apply for some grants to further our efforts in maintaining this beautiful space," Weiser said. She clarified that those grants are intended for capital preservation work, not routine grass or leaf removal, which the association currently handles through its operations.
David Rinderley, executive director of the Erie Cemetery Association, told council the association has been in talks about acquiring Lakeside Cemetery because that site is currently not well maintained and lacks accurate burial records.
Council members asked for assurances about inclusive preservation. One councilor asked that the city ensure preservation efforts do not only highlight a narrow set of families or histories but tell "whole truths" about the city’s diverse past. Weiser said the association has been expanding its research and programming to include a broader set of stories and pointed to tours and educational programs that engage schools and local organizations.
The hearing concluded with the council accepting testimony; the nomination will follow the statutory notice and hearing process before any ordinance to list the site appears for final action.
Next steps: the council advertised the hearing and gathered testimony; further administrative steps and ordinance language will determine whether and when Erie Cemetery is formally added to the city register.
