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Residents renew calls over alleged 2005 disinterment at Barnes Cemetery; city outlines records and review steps
Summary
Public commenter Theresa Roundy recalled alleged disinterment and improper handling at Barnes Cemetery in 2005; City Manager Bonnie said criminal charges were filed at the time and later dismissed by a court and described steps the city now takes to flag known cemeteries during permit reviews.
Theresa Roundy used public comment to mark the 19th anniversary of an alleged desecration at Barnes Cemetery, citing council minutes from Sept. 28, 2005 and asserting graves were moved without proper notification, next‑of‑kin contact or required permits.
Roundy said the family and past speakers had raised concerns about missing notification and alleged falsified permits during the removals. "He stated that the cemetery had been in the family since slavery days," she said, urging the council to recall the record and the harms the family experienced.
City Manager Bonnie responded in public comment, saying the city previously conducted research with police, the Commonwealth's attorney and codes compliance, and that criminal charges were filed against the property owner at the time but a court dismissed those charges for lack of criminal intent. Bonnie said the city now maintains records and flags known cemetery properties (citing Woodland Road/Barnes Cemetery) so that when building permits or site plans are reviewed staff assess whether ground‑penetrating radar and other steps are required. "We prefer people not to move graves," Bonnie said, describing the administrative changes made since the 2005 matter.
Roundy asked the council to ensure future actions comply with notification and permit requirements; the manager said staff would share more detailed notes and continue outreach with neighborhood representatives and developers when cemetery issues are known.
