Steelmantown Cemetery, a New Jersey green burials group, is moving closer to buying Philadelphia’s Mount Vernon Cemetery and restoring it to its former glory, writes Isaac Avilucea for AXIOS Philadelphia.
The historic cemetery in North Philadelphia has been sitting in disarray for years while local preservationists searched for a new owner.
However in April, a judge approved a deal allowing Steelmantown Cemetery to purchase the burial grounds for $1 from the Philadelphia Community Development Coalition, its conservator. It is expected that the final property transfer will happen in the coming weeks, before the court hearing in May.
As part of the agreement, the city of Philadelphia will waive any remaining tax liens on the property.
Steelmantown Cemetery owner Ed Bixby now plans on spending a minimum of $400,000 of his own money over the next year and a half to fix up the grounds and gatehouse. The aim is to turn Mount Vernon into the welcoming green space it once was for the loved ones of those who are buried there.
“It’s a big job, but somebody’s got to do it,” said Bixby. “Cemeteries are designed for the living.”
Read more about the Mount Vernon Cemetery and plans for its likely new ownership in AXIOS Philadelphia.
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