By Danny Teigman
Now officials of the aging cemetery are looking to refurbish its grounds and install a crematory, which concerns some residents who live on Charles and Madison streets, which abut the cemetery property.
"I'm not thrilled," said Barbara Keane, a five-year resident of Madison Street. "I'm very concerned about the pollution and the effects that it's going to have in the years to come on my children."
Pat Cribbon, who lives on Charles Street, was also upset. "I'm a little worried about the odor," she said. "If there's any health problems, I'd like to know about them."
In a letter that went out on Feb. 19, 20 and 21, residents who live on the cemetery's northern and western perimeter were notified of the preliminary proposal by cemetery officials, who described the replacement of the cemetery's main building with a modern structure. In addition to a crematory, which would be purchased from B&L Cremation Systems of Largo, Fla., the building would feature a reception area, family meeting rooms and a chapel for private funerals. The cemetery's grounds would also be refurbished. According to the letter, construction is slated to begin in late spring and be completed by early fall.
"At this point, we're hoping that the residents will work with us to facilitate an understanding between us and them of what we're proposing," said Damien Becker, a spokesman for the cemetery.
Steve Looker, president of B&L, said that any residents' concerns about pollution, smoke or odor are unfounded. The cremation process, he explained, uses a two-chamber system of high-efficiency combustion. The first chamber is heated to 1,000 to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, and leftover material enters a second chamber, which reaches 1,800 degrees. There should be no odor, Looker said, and he described the exhaust as being barely visible.
Sensors installed in the crematory's exhaust deck, or chimney, monitor the smoke. If combustion is determined to be incomplete, outside air is automatically drawn into the chimney so remains burn more completely.
"It's a lot cleaner scenario than what people visualize in their minds," Looker said. "Once they become familiar with the process, then that typically takes away all of their fears. ... People don't even know that they've got a crematory in their neighborhood."
Keane said she was pleased with the cemetery's proposed aesthetic improvements, but disapproved of the sudden notice of the crematory's construction. "I personally think that they should have asked residents' opinions first," she said.
Becker stressed that the plans are in the early stages. Since it is located in the unincorporated area of North Lynbrook, the cemetery must present its plans to the Town of Hempstead for approval. "My initial review is that it will have to go before the town's Board of Zoning Appeals," said Town Councilman Anthony Santino (R-East Rockaway).
Richard Fishman, director of the New York State Division of Cemeteries, said Rockville Cemetery must also pass muster with his office. The facility must demonstrate an ability to pay for the crematory, he said, which typically costs at least $100,000, and also prove that the renovations will not adversely affect the surrounding community. The state Environmental Protection Agency, in turn, must agree that the crematory's emissions are acceptable.
If built, it would be the ninth crematory in the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau and Suffolk counties. "New York state has a growing cremation population," Fishman said. "To have more cremation facilities is a good thing. ... Without state approval, they can't build it."
Lynbrook Trustee Richard Clifford said he, too, remained skeptical of the proposed crematory, and that he had received complaints from several residents. "I just think it's a large imposition on the residents - more than an imposition, an insult," Clifford said. "Yes, residents purchased their homes adjacent to a cemetery. They didn't purchase their homes near or adjacent to a crematorium. To me, this is a change of use that diminishes their property values."
At least one Madison Street resident, Mary Jean Abar, was fully supportive of the plans, however. "We appreciate that the cemetery took the time to talk to the local residents," Abar said. "It's nice that they're improving the building. ... We've had dealings with Rockville Cemetery in the past, and they've always been a good neighbor."
Comments about this story? DTeigman@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 246.
