Town Asks To Buy Land From Ossining School District For Burial Plots

OSSINING, N.Y. -- The Town of Ossining has asked the Ossining Union Free School District to sell five acres of a 36-parcel land behind Anne M. Dormer Middle School to the Chinese community for use as a cemetery.

The Town of Ossining an the Ossining Union Free School District are exploring the possible sale of land to the Chinese community for burial plots. Photo Credit: *Ossining Union Free School District*

by Eric Gendron

10/05/2013 4:00 a.m.

The report called the potential sale of the land a "unique opportunity" for the town.

"The revenue that the District will receive from the Town will help to maintain educational programs for the school district," the study read. "The burial plot sales will allow the Town to maintain Dale Cemetery for several years."

According to a report authored by the town, the buyer is prepared to pre-purchase the plots which are located on a south-facing hill near running water. In Chinese culture, these are very desirable aspects for burial spots to improve Fengshui, a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing the human existence with our surrounding environment.

The current location is adjacent to Dale Cemetery and is undesirable to other potential buyers due to land limitations.

A discussion on the sale was held at Town Hall on Oct. 1. The Board of Education will decide whether it will hold a special vote to sell the land on Nov. 25. If the resolution is passed, the special vote will be held Jan. 22.

Click here to read the full Town of Ossining report.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.