In a victory for preservationists and the spirits of the dead, a controversial proposal to replace sections of the historic Grove Street Cemetery wall with cast iron fencing has been withdrawn.
The proposal, made by Charles Ellis, a member of the cemetery’s governing body, aroused deep concern both among preservationists and plot holders of the cemetery.
The latter group, known as the proprietors, assembled in rare large numbers on Oct. 6 for the burial ground society’s annual meeting. They gave Ellis and the plan’s architect Robert A.M. Stern an earful.
Chief among the objections raised at the impassioned meeting was the potential disturbance a peek-a-boo fence and consequent noise from the street would have on the solitude and sacred space inside.
Apparently those concerns were heard.
On Tuesday afternoon, G. Harold Welch, Jr., the president of the plotholders’ decision-making standing committee, said in a phone conversation that he had polled each member of the 11-member committee.
“Following that, I spoke to Mr. Ellis. As a result he has withdrawn his proposal.”
According to a statement issued by Welch, noise intrusion was the deciding factor.
Following is the full text of the statement:
The Standing Committee, the governing body of The New Haven city Burial Ground (known as the Grove Street Cemetery) has been considering the proposal of Mr. Charles Ellis, a member of that committee, to replace a few small sections of the cemetery wall along Prospect St. with iron fencing similar to that along Grove Street.
After discussing this idea with members of the Standing Committee and Mr. Ellis, particularly concerning possible noise intrusions, he has withdrawn this proposal. We are most grateful for his proposal and for his willingness to fund same.
It is hoped that we can now concentrate on improving the Prospect St. exterior space with lighting and plantings.
It has been most gratifying to discover the wonderful interest in this historic National Landmark by the Proprietors and the community at large.
I hope that all will take a keen interest in the restoration of the Meeting House, the building immediately behind the Henry Austin Gate, the entrance to this wonderful place.
Welch added that ideas for new plantings and other exterior improvements on Prospect Street, which were part of the fence discussions, were so well received, he hoped that that aspect might proceed.
“It ought to get done, and it will. Question is: who will pay for it?” he said.