Farmington is facing a pressing issue as Riverside Cemetery, the town’s only cemetery, nears capacity. In response, town officials are considering converting Don Tinty Family Park into a new cemetery. This proposal has sparked significant debate among residents.

Community Concerns

Many residents, including those living near the park, have voiced their opposition to the idea. James Drake, whose property borders the park, expressed his concerns about the prospect of witnessing funeral processions and burials regularly. Melinda Pritz, another resident, emphasized that the land is a community resource, stating, “This is a town issue, this land is for all of us.”

The park, donated to the town by philanthropist Don Tinty, was intended for recreational use. Neighbors argue that converting it into a cemetery would go against Tinty’s vision. Neela Patel, a local resident, remarked, “Wherever he is, he wouldn’t be happy knowing what is being done here.”

Legal and Administrative Steps

Town Manager Kathleen Blonski addressed the issue at a recent Farmington Town Council meeting, acknowledging the need to explore legal options regarding the park’s deed. The town plans to seek a legal opinion to determine what is permissible under the deed’s terms.

Blonski explained that the Farmington Cemetery Association has been working with the town for years to find additional cemetery space. The Tinty property on Main Street is one of the options under consideration, and preliminary due diligence will be conducted this summer.

Past and Future Discussions

This is not the first time the community has debated this issue. In 2018, a similar proposal was met with resistance, and the town ultimately decided against taking action. Pritz noted the ongoing stress this issue places on the neighborhood, saying, “This neighborhood really can’t keep doing this year over year; it’s really upsetting to the closest neighbors.”

Although the topic is not on the agenda for the upcoming Farmington Town Council meeting, residents plan to voice their concerns during the public comment period. The community remains engaged in the discussion, as the town seeks to balance the need for cemetery space with respecting the park’s intended use.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.