Counties consider new protections for local cemeteries
PENDER COUNTY/BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) — Two county commissions in the Cape Fear region are considering new measures to identify and protect cemeteries as development continues across the area.
In Pender County, commissioners are discussing ways to better identify burial grounds and protect them from damage during construction.
The issue gained attention after Gretchen Kozen, a Burgaw resident, raised concerns about a 12-acre cemetery near Horse Branch Road and Malpass Corner Road.
Photos show headstones damaged and scattered after property developer Clayton Homes cleared land for seven residential lots.
Kozen said she does not believe the damage was intentional but said the incident highlights the potential for cemeteries to be overlooked during future development.
“If a cemetery isn’t properly identified on a mapping system, it can be overlooked when development occurs, even when graves and headstones are present on the property.”
Pender County has since placed a hold on construction in the area surrounding the cemetery. Kozen said she wants additional measures to ensure burial grounds are identified and protected before construction begins.
“I’m asking for accountability and for a process that actually protects these places before the damage occurs.”
Pender County commissioners are expected to discuss Monday night how the county can improve the identification and protection of cemeteries.
In Brunswick County, commissioners are considering a Unified Development Ordinance proposal aimed at protecting burial grounds.
The proposal follows the creation of a cemetery committee tasked with helping oversee the protection of existing cemeteries.
Commissioner Pat Sykes said the issue is personal and has proposed a zoning overlay that could apply to parcels containing cemeteries.
“They destroyed all the stones and we got no help.”
Under the proposal, cemetery sites would have a minimum 50-foot undisturbed buffer. Heavy machinery would not be allowed within the buffer, which would remain vegetated. Developments also would be required to clearly mark cemetery buffer areas.
Sykes said additional protections are needed as development and land clearing continue throughout the region.
“Developers are out there burning every day, clearing land every day, and this needs to be addressed.”
Both county boards are expected to discuss their respective proposals Monday night.
The outcome of those discussions could determine what additional steps Pender and Brunswick counties take to identify and protect local burial grounds as development continues.
