As many of you may know, the Federal Street Ancient Cemetery fence was removed by the town earlier this year with little warning but much controversy. Since then, the Cemetery Committee has presented the town with a budget for a new fence and arched entry that is a disappointment to many in both design and price tag.

 

Two years ago, the town voted to appropriate an additional $40,000 to the Cemetery maintenance budget to allow for the replacement of the existing wood fence. This simple wood fence was constructed in the 1980s; a 30-year lifespan from the investment. The Cemetery Committee recommended an aluminum fence option to the Select Board and the board voted to accept (far more expensive than a wood option). In addition to the fence, the Committee has proposed an ornate archway, granite steps and benches, which will cost anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 and will need to be funded outside of the current Cemetery maintenance budget. I have attended the last two town meetings that covered this topic, and several long-time residents of the town have spoken out against the expense and the overly-grand design of what should be a modest and simple barrier in keeping with the architecture and style of the era the cemetery was in use.

 

Please show up for the special town meeting on Aug. 31 and speak out against wasteful spending. The question on the warrant will read “Shall the Town vote to appropriate an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the Cemetery Lots Reserve Account for the purpose of constructing a metal archway and stone entrance to the Ancient Cemetery?” Please vote no.

 

Leslie Roberts

 

Wiscasset