By Marie Griffin

SMITHFIELD -- City Council members debated over placement of a cemetery storage building at last week's meeting and then voted to place the building in the northeast corner of the cemetery, where there would be no plans for graves until the far future.

Before making a decision the council investigated the possible consequences of building the storage unit and made sure residents who would be affected had a voice.

Some residents of the surrounding area were concerned that the building would detract from the beauty and sacredness of the cemetery. The council assured the public that it was pleased with the plans for the design of the building and its landscaping.

Other residents were concerned that their views of the Logan Temple and trees would be obstructed. Originally there had been a playground where the new storage unit will be built and now that it had been taken out, residents felt it should not be replaced.

"We want to be able to accommodate as many neighbors as we can," Mayor Kent Ward said.

Bob Stoutenburg, a resident of the area, said, "I don't want any structure where the playground used to be. There shouldn't be."

Stoutenburg was staunchly opposed to the building of a storage unit. He asked the council if there was a way to purchase the property in question.

"I'll buy the whole thing," he said.

The council told Stoutenburg that the property couldn't be sold. Councilman Jeffry Gittins explained, "We're filling up our cemetery at a much faster rate than we used to. It's a matter of equipment."

The council praised the caretakers of the cemetery grounds. Gittins said, "This is probably the most peaceful and sacred cemetery I've ever been in."

The council agreed that the storage building would be necessary for the benefit of the caretakers, and thus, the community.

Councilman David Buys said, "It improves our ability to be able to take care of the cemetery."

Resident Teen Stoutenburg acknowledged the landscaping efforts. "I, too, want to compliment the caretakers of the cemetery. It's beautiful."

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