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Town staff say Slate Hill Cemetery appears abandoned; town may accept ownership and expenses
Summary
Board heard an update on Slate Hill Cemetery: the cemetery board has largely ceased operations, about $4,500 remains in an account, roughly 60 plots are available, and staff expect a resignation and will likely present a resolution next meeting to accept the cemetery under state abandonment law; state funding options were discussed for repairs and maintenance.
Town staff told the Goshen Town Board on May 28 that Slate Hill Cemetery may be abandoned and that the town could assume responsibility under state law if the cemetery board resigns. Mary, who briefed the board, said the cemetery board met, public notices were published, and only one person—who cuts grass for a section—responded to outreach.
Mary reported the cemetery has roughly nine acres, about 60 unsold plots, and at least one acre that may be viable for burials after soil testing and cleanup because of historic dumping. She said the cemetery account currently holds about $4,500 that could transfer to the town, and that a resignation letter from a board member (Mark Johnston) is expected, which would trigger state procedures for town takeover under abandonment statutes.
Board members discussed due diligence steps including title search, soil testing of the potentially usable acre, surveying, tree removal and potential headstone repairs. Mary noted the New York State abandonment fund could provide one‑time support for equipment, fencing or headstone repair once the town assumes responsibility.
The board discussed options to offset maintenance costs, including selling plots (historic fees discussed: roughly $1,000 to open and close, total $2,000 noted) and creating a cremation garden or columbarium as a lower‑impact revenue source. Mary said the cemetery contains family plots dating to the Civil War era and some unmarked graves; the town will consult the state cemetery division and legal counsel before proceeding. The board indicated they expect a resolution on takeover at the next meeting and asked staff to follow up on title search and state resources.
