Improving the usage of state property
The legislation is poised to streamline the process by which state property can be repurposed for community needs, specifically in the context of expanding burial grounds in an area where population growth may necessitate additional cemetery space. This bill will allow The Gardens Cemetery to enhance its services to the local community by providing further burial options, which is particularly significant in urban areas like Boston where space for such facilities is limited.
Senate Bill S2217 proposes the transfer of a specified parcel of land from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to The Gardens Cemetery for the purpose of expanding burial space. The bill details the location of the parcel, delineating specific boundaries and noting its size of approximately 31.5 acres. The land is currently under the care of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the proposal aims to facilitate an expansion that the cemetery requires to accommodate future burial needs.
While the bill addresses a tangible need for additional cemetery space, it might also attract discussion regarding the management and allocation of state properties. The implications for public land use and the prioritization of burial sites over other potential uses may be points of contention among stakeholders. Additionally, the process and criteria for determining fair market value for the land, as well as any community feedback regarding the cemetery's expansion, could also be points raised in discussions surrounding this legislation.