Letters: Cemetery offers opportunity

I was born and raised in Carton County. Though I now live far away, I would like to be buried in the area where most of my family members are buried.

However, most township cemeteries are open only to residents. And, many township cemeteries are nearly full, with little opportunity for expansion.

Thus, I am pleased to learn that a green cemetery is being planned in the Blackhoof area. I do sympathize with those neighboring residents who feel uncomfortable about this project, but in the long run, it will be an asset to the community and the county. Property values will not decrease.

We should be thankful this proposed project is not a mega-gravel pit that would spew noise and dust for miles. Or a mega-animal feedlot operation (of 8,000 cows or 10,000 hogs) that would spew manure smell for miles and threaten our groundwater quality. (Note: these, too, are being routinely approved by county zoning commissions across Minnesota because they meet zoning criteria.) In these situations, property values have plummeted.

In contrast, a green cemetery will remain in a natural state into perpetuity. I, for one, support this project. May God bless.

Vern Simula

Morris, Minnesota (former Cloquet resident)