MARLBOROUGH – Evergreen Cemetery is running out of space.
According to Theodore Scott, the interim commissioner of public works, an expansion is needed to keep up with the demand for burial space.
He said the Department of Public Works started initial design plans about five years ago because the “cemetery was reaching its limit.”
Scott said they’ve identified some areas to expand, and they would like to concentrate on the hills close to Section K.
Scott said the expansion would include removing boulders, collapsed buildings, wells and other debris, as well as building a retaining wall.
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He added the full expansion project could take about three years and cost up to $2 million.
Councilor Mike Vital asked whether the expansion would go into the area bordered by Wilson Street and Sheridan Road. Scott replied that they would first focus on the dirt parking lot, but would eventually include that area.
Both Scott and Mayor J. Christian Dumais stressed the need to get this project under way.
“I want to make sure this project gets done,” said Dumais.
The initial expansion costs – $350,000 – would be covered by a bond approved by the City Council’s Finance Committee. Council President Michael Ossing said the bond request could be switched to free cash so the city could save on interest payments.
That decision could come in September.
The City Council’s Finance Committee approved the bonding request. It also received approval from the full City Council on Monday, July 22.
