Ash-burial Vaults Approved For Church

Fairhope, Alabama

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
West-side, facing Mobile St.


At its last meeting, the Board of Adjustments unanimously approved a special zoning exception allowing Trinity Presbyterian Church, 545 S. Mobile St., to construct a columbarium, defined as a vault to receive the ashes of the dead, in the small u-shaped alcove between the church's sanctuary and administrative offices facing S. Mobile St..

Planning Director Smith said the property is zoned R-2 and such usage is permitted, but only by special exception after a public hearing.

There is one other columbarium in town already, at the St. James Episcopal Church.


Designer Joe Comer (Espalier Landscaping Co.) said the project would be in phases, beginning with a curved, 6' tall brick wall in front (about 18' long) to create a courtyard between the buildings, with an entrance to the south; three additional smaller walls may be added later, as needed.

The pre-fabricated vaults would be on the interior side of the main wall, not facing the street; and would be available only to church members.




NEIGHBORS OBJECT


proposed location
Several neighborhood residents voiced strong objections to the project, generally calling it a cemetery, not appropriate for the neighborhood (affect property values).

One worried about possible damage from hurricanes and others about additional traffic and the already-inadequate church parking situation.

Two said it would be more appropriate inside, perhaps in the basement.



CONDITIONAL APPROVAL GIVEN

After a lengthy hearing, the Board conditionally approved the project, but with stipulations limiting the vaults to the main wall; no more than 200 initially. Any more would need approval by the Board (up to 300).

The project must be constructed according to the drawings submitted, as well.



Comer, Smith, Board of Adj.

interior view

west side


Comments

Anonymous said…
OK, so they can basically have a cemetery in a residential area, but we have residential area on a 5 lane highway and the people can't do/get any help with zoning there? Go figure - the City of Fairhope. Just like the mosquito sprayer out when it was pouring down rain Monday night. Guess it all depends on who you are and who you know.
Anonymous said…
Sounds like a good plan, put another cemetery on n. Greeno Rd. Beats another ugly strip mall. a lot more peacefull too.
Anonymous said…
I thought cremation was not considered to be a Christian burial because of Resurrection? Am I mistaken?
Anonymous said…
That would work, one on South Greeno and one on North Greeno. At least the ones residing there would not have their (eternal) rest disturbed by on the noise (sirens, traffic, boom boxes, etc).
Anonymous said…
Ecclesiastes 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Cremation is a more affordable way for family members to take care of their of loved ones. Looks like there isa wall facing the street so what is the issue. If you go to other towns, cities and Europe churches there have cemetaries behind them. The Jeff Davis house in Mississippi has a huge cemetary behind it. It's not like the people are going to come and rob someone. Seriously people? How is this going to decrease the value of your property?
Anonymous said…
The concerned citizen's opinions were just ignored and this was just railroaded in . I am so disappointed that the citizens have no voice and not respected anymore.
Anonymous said…
Any council members belong to Trinity?
Anonymous said…
Complain. Complain. Yet you shut-ins continue to vote in the same old bunch! Why? Are you all that easily led?
Anonymous said…
Not me. I did my best to get rid of "the good ole boys".