The Peru Gazette

Legislation sponsored by Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Billy Jones banning the construction of stand-alone mausoleums in New York State was signed into law yesterday by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The North Country lawmakers proposed the measure in the wake of the abandonment of Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens in the towns of Plattsburgh and Ellenburg.  Both towns were obligated under New York State law to take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of two abandoned mausoleums, which had deteriorated to the point of near disrepair after years of neglect.

“The condition of these mausoleums was appalling,” said Little.  “It was a disgrace for those interred and heartbreaking for the families of loved ones.  A tremendous amount of progress has been made to rehabilitate both facilities, costing taxpayers more than $2 million.  It had to be done and was obviously the right thing to do given the circumstance.  But we need to make sure this never happens again.”

“The resting places of our loved ones should always remain well maintained and cared for,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones.  “The owners of Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens failed families and members of our community when they made the conscious decision to abandon their duties.  The legislation signed into law today is crucial to ensuring that this does not cost taxpayers money in the future and that the memory of our loved ones will be respected and upheld.”

According to the lawmakers, mausoleums have proven successful for many cemeteries when part of a larger financial plan and presented as an additional burial option. They have also been successful helping cemeteries extend their ability to offer burial services by utilizing burial space otherwise unavailable for in-ground burial.
 
However, they have proven unsuccessful when a cemetery is created solely for the purpose of construction of a stand-alone mausoleum or columbarium. This model exposes local governments and other entities to financial hardship if a facility is subsequently abandoned.  In addition to Whispering Maples, another stand-alone mausoleum in the town of Osegatchie in St. Lawrence County was abandoned about two years ago.

Little and Jones said the new law will protect taxpayers as well as municipalities, as well as better ensure that those who have passed away and their families will not have to endure a similar indignity.

The new law had passed both houses of the State Legislature in June and, now signed by the governor, takes effect immediately.