UTICA—Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D/C-Utica/Rome) hosted a tour of New Forest Cemetery and held a meeting today in Utica for NYS Department of State officials along with city officials, and local community leaders. The tour and meeting were conducted to help find a solution to the cemetery’s current financial issues.
“Every New Yorker deserves a dignified resting place that their family and friends can trust,” Buttenschon said. “It is my hope that our tour and meeting today brings greater attention to this issue and encourages state, local, and community leaders to work toward finding a financially viable solution for the cemetery to stay operational.”
The property has been in a state of disrepair for some time, as the nonprofit organization that runs the cemetery is unable to afford operational costs. Because of this, the board plans to abandon the cemetery, as a possible merger with the nonprofit that operates Forest Lawn Cemetery of Buffalo has failed to materialize.
The events were held on Tuesday, July 12, at 12:30 p.m. at 2001 Oneida St, Utica, NY 13501. “It’s critical to maintain this final resting spot and provide families a well-maintained facility to pay their respects to their loved ones”, noted Buttenschon. Assemblywoman Buttenschon will continue to bring awareness to this situation and continues to work toward a solution for the families who have loved ones interred at New Forest Cemetery.
