OPINION — I am writing about the recent city ordinance regarding ownership of plots in the old St. George cemetery.
In an effort to deal with abandoned plots, the ordinance is creating problems for families who would like to retain plots their ancestors purchased.
I have friends who are still living and are being impacted by the arbitrary nature of this ordinance. A plot that was purchased more than 60 years ago and has not been used is subject to confiscation by the city.
The list that was published includes parents who purchased plots who still have living children.
One person I know of was told they had to pay $645 to retain possession of a plot that was purchased by a parent. Another friend said his great-grandfather still had six plots in the cemetery. They were told the family would have reach out to every descendant and get all of them to sign off for them to retain the plots.
The city should give adequate opportunities for the families to research any documents or verification of ownership with ample time and assistance from the city to ensure those who have claims on the plots can be accommodated. It doesn’t sound like this is being done.
Submitted by L. LECHTENBERG, St. George.
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