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Select Board weighs shorefront stabilization for Seaside Cemetery amid repair costs
Summary
At its July 13 meeting the Town of Blue Hill Select Board discussed applying for a Maine Coastal Program planning grant to study shorefront stabilization at Seaside Cemetery but did not vote; Chair E. Best expressed opposition to taking on major projects now because of other expensive municipal repairs.
The Town of Blue Hill Select Board discussed applying for a Maine Coastal Program planning grant to explore shorefront stabilization at Seaside Cemetery during its July 13 meeting.
The Select Board considered the grant after members raised concerns that graves near Seaside Cemetery are at risk of washing into the sea. Chair E. Best said she opposed engaging the town in further major projects at this time, citing the expense of several required repair projects including an upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, work on the public safety building and continuing road reconstruction. Board members discussed instead applying for MCP funds in a future year to study stabilization options and relocation contingencies if shore erosion threatens grave sites.
Board members emphasized the sensitivity of any proposal that could require moving graves and discussed the scope of a planning grant to identify alternatives short of relocation. No formal motion was made to apply for the current round of grants; the Board’s discussion closed with the idea of pursuing the planning funds in a later funding cycle if members decide the town can shoulder the costs and staff workload.
The item remains at the discussion stage; the Board gave no direction to commit municipal funds or to initiate grave relocations. Staff were asked to keep the topic on future agendas should members decide to pursue a grant application.
