Wendell board leaves public hearing open on request to relocate 1860s grave from Buckstage Trail

The Wendell Town Board of Commissioners left a public hearing open and set the matter for decision on May 26 after hearing family concerns and technical questions about a developer’s request to disinter and relocate the grave of Leonard Rhodes from 3130 Buckstage Trail to Greenmount Cemetery.

The petition, presented by a representative of Richard Grubb & Associates, says the move is needed to accommodate the Marshburn Manor development and that the remains would be reinterred with perpetual care at Greenmount. Town staff told the board the petitioner published required legal notices and that a removal of grave certificate must be filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds after relocation, as required by state law.

The case drew an emotional public comment from Britney Marshburn, who identified herself as a great‑great‑great granddaughter of Leonard Rhodes. Marshburn asked the board to delay a final vote to allow family members time to gather and explore alternatives, saying, "Is it morally okay that someone should be allowed to move his grave for simply financial gain?" She also raised concerns about possible vandalism if remains remain within a future development and asked whether an on‑site cemetery could be a respectful alternative.

Ellen Turco, working with the petitioner, said the company cannot fully determine how many graves are present until excavation begins and that relocations often reveal multiple burials. "We would be prepared to move as many as 15 or 20," Turco said, adding that the standard process involves a licensed funeral director operating machinery, on‑site archaeologist monitoring, a public health representative, and a final written report. Turco noted families may observe the work and that the petitioner had followed statutory notice requirements.

Board members asked whether ground‑penetrating radar (GPR) or a more proactive survey could narrow the likely number and locations of unmarked graves before excavation. Turco said GPR can indicate possible shafts but cannot definitively count graves; confirmation requires careful removal of topsoil and visual identification of grave shafts.

Developer Bill Robinson told the board the developer would bear all costs of removal and interment. Several commissioners said they were uncomfortable making a final decision without additional family outreach and more site information; one moved to leave the public hearing open so staff and the applicant could pursue further investigation and family conversations.

The board approved the motion to leave the public hearing open by voice vote and scheduled the item for a decision at its May 26 meeting. The continuance will allow the petitioner time to conduct additional investigation (such as a GPR survey), consult with family members and cemetery options, and return with more detailed information for the board to consider.

Next steps: The public hearing remains open and the board will revisit the petition on May 26; any decision will be recorded in the minutes and, if relocation proceeds, a removal of grave certificate will be filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds as required by state statute.