Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heritage Stewardship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council refers potential takeover of West Cemetery to planning and parks; public meeting planned
Summary
Facing the West Cemetery Association’s notice that it can no longer manage West Cemetery, councilors referred potential city acquisition to the planning commission under CGS §8‑24, asked parks and real estate committees to review stewardship options, and scheduled stakeholder outreach in early May.
Councilors moved to formally review a possible municipal assumption of West Cemetery after the West Cemetery Association informed the city it can no longer manage the property. The council referred parcels (assessor’s map 59 lots 15, 16A1, 16A2 and 13A) to the planning commission for a CGS §8‑24 report and directed that the real estate and parks commissions review the matter at upcoming meetings.
City staff said the cemetery is still active and that perpetual care funds, a Barnes family trust, equipment and operating accounts would transfer as part of any arrangement. Officials said a public meeting with families and stakeholders would be scheduled in early May and that parks staff — who already contract for lawn care at other city cemeteries — would likely take operational responsibility if the city proceeds.
The council emphasized it will be thoughtful to avoid increasing tax burdens while ensuring proper stewardship of the historic cemetery and adjacent parcels. No final acquisition vote was taken.
