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Cemetery expansion project addresses future needs

Mt. Auburn cemetery could get an expansion. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A growing need for cemetery plots in town has led to the release of conceptual plans for an expansion of Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

“It’s purely a concept,” said Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed. “We haven’t had public meetings about it [yet].”

The DPW and the Cemetery Commission have worked on a plan for expanding the cemetery on Mayhew Street after the town obtained additional property nearby. The Davis Property, as Reed called it, sits south of the cemetery and was purchased in 2019.

State law dictates that every town in the commonwealth is required to have a town-owned cemetery or other burial place for residents, Reed explained. “What we’re seeing now for sales and usage, we anticipate [the cemetery] will be sold out of lots in maybe 5-10 years,” she said.

In the conceptual plan, Mt. Auburn will expand to 1,240 full body lots, with potential cremation lots available as well. The road through the cemetery would be widened, and ornamental features would be added. Reed noted the Cemetery Commission also expressed interest in improving the cemetery’s entrance to enhance the pedestrian experience.

“It’s a really lovely sight in town,” Reed said of the cemetery. “People like walking in it because it’s a nice place.”

Reed stressed that the conceptual plan is not set in stone, and much more design work and planning are needed before expansion begins. She added that the Cemetery Commission and the DPW are embarking on developing the plan now because of the time and investment an expansion project will take.

“It’s going to be a big investment to get this land ready,” Reed said. She anticipated going in front of a future Town Meeting to obtain funding.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton native Mike Leary recently published a semi-autobiographical novella titled “Smoking Cigarettes” that explores addiction and mental health.

Hopkinton High School field hockey coach Ally Valencia discussed the team’s drive toward the Division 1 league title this season.

This week’s Senior Snippets features information on a performance by the HHS string quartet, the upcoming Repair Fair and a program on safe driving.

The Hopkinton Area Land Trust is sponsoring a free mushroom walk on Oct. 11 at the Fruit Street fields.

Town meetings tonight include the Water-Sewer Advisory Board (5) and Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

An excavator sits atop a mound of dirt Monday during work on the former Hopkinton Drug property.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR