Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, on assignment for the Journal Opinion
Groton voters have approved an expansion of an existing cemetery as an alternative to developing a new one.
The Groton Cemetery Commission originally set aside about $15,700 for the development of a new Riverside Cemetery. But some residents didn’t like the idea.
“A lot of folks felt that it was important to try and continue building our Village Cemetery, as opposed to starting the new cemetery at this time,” said Susan Plant, one of the cemetery commissioners.
At Town Meeting Day, Article 5 proposed that the funds go towards a project in the existing Groton Village Cemetery. This is designed to be a less expensive and disruptive alternative to a new cemetery.
The project, designed prior to the town meeting, would create two flat spaces to be used for cremation burials. It would use the dirt that’s already on site, minimizing costs.
Engineers have already confirmed that the project is doable, Plant said.
Article 5 was passed in a voice vote, allowing the Groton Cemetery Commision to go forward with the excavation plans.
The town also discussed plans to improve energy efficiency. Groton received $397,023 dollars in state grants to upgrade systems townwide.
The three-phase plan includes an energy audit on each building, improvements to windows and insulation and new solar panels and battery storage. It could save an estimated $15,000 – $18,000 per year.
Voters also passed an approximately $1.3 million budget for next year on a voice vote.
