Greenwich Settles Case Over Byram Cemetery Land

GREENWICH, CT — A plaque will be installed at a portion of Byram Cemetery in the near future honoring the site of African-American graves, as part of a settlement recently reached between Greenwich officials and the Stewart family that lives next to the cemetery.

The Board of Selectmen Thursday unanimously approved the settlement, which also received the support of six people who are descendants of African-Americans who were buried at the site on Byram Shore Road.

"I'm glad we've come to a successful, amicable resolution," said First Selectman Peter Tesei.

The portion of the cemetery in question - referred to as the Byram African American Cemetery - was next to and under part of the Stewart's driveway, and the town wanted to takeover that land. The Stewarts objected and filed a lawsuit to stop it.

The settlement also declares that the cemetery is Greenwich property and a two-foot tall stonewall will be erected to divide the cemetery and Stewart properties. The plaque will be placed on or near the stonewall. Additionally, the Stewarts will get new curbing and a driveway.

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