New Law Blocks Opening Of Crematory In Mount Kisco
MOUNT KISCO, NY (WCBS 880) - There is only one crematory in all of Westchester County, in Hartsdale.
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Now, historic Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Kisco wants to build one in response to increased demand, cemetery officials say.
LINK: Oakwood Cemetery's Letter To The Community (PDF)
In June, the village changed its zoning codes prohibiting any cremation operation, citing concerns about open space and increased traffic.
Oakwood Cemetery president Howard Kensing doesn't buy it.
"That's nonsense. It's not going to add traffic, any significant traffic to the village. Lexington Avenue is a fairly heavily used street. The whole town is choked up, and has been for years, and years," he told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.
He believes the village simply doesn't want a crematory.
"They don't want it. They didn't want it from the start. But we recognize the need," he said Monday.
So reluctantly, he says, Oakwood has turned to its last resort, taking Mount Kisco to court, claiming a cremation operation extends the long-term viability of the cemetery and provides a needed and increasingly preferred public service.
Where do you stand on the issue? Please sound off in the comments section below!
