Turn Historic Pearl River Cemetery Over To Non-Profit: Rockland Lawmakers

PEARL RIVER, NY — Rockland County Legislators voted 15-0 Tuesday to back a resolution that will allow a change in the ownership of the historic Pearl River Cemetery, which dates to at least the early 1800s. The nearly 200-year-old cemetery sits on a 2.12-acre plot between South John Street and Franklin Avenue in the heart of the hamlet. Volunteers have cared for it for years.

It is currently operated by a volunteer group known as both the Restoration Committee for Pearl River Cemetery and the Pearl River Cemetery Association. The members maintain the property in meticulous fashion and in accordance with established rules, regulations and by-laws, lawmakers said.

“The volunteers have demonstrated devotion and deep care for this historic cemetery,” Legislator Vincent D. Tyer said. “They are the right people and the right organization to continue watching over this important piece of the fabric of our community.”

Under state law, the cemetery title is vested in the Town of Orangetown, which has the authority to transfer its right, title and interest to a cemetery corporation that is authorized to hold and maintain the property for cemetery purposes. The cemetery was abandoned by its original owners.

The Town of Orangetown in January adopted Resolution No. 51 of 2017 to allow it to essentially turn over ownership to the Pearl River Cemetery Corp.

State law further requires the Rockland County Legislature to approve such an action, and only after significant public notice. Such notice was made via publication in local newspapers, as well as on meeting agendas.

“The people of Orangetown applaud the volunteers who have shown they truly care about the history and preservation of our community,” Orangetown Town Supervisor Andy Stewart said. “With their continued oversight, we can be sure the story of Orangetown will continue to be told to future generations.”

Rudy Hansen, the general manager of the cemetery, whose parents are buried in the historic graveyard, thanked the officials who supported the change in ownership.

“This is something that our organization – and by that, I mean the people who belong to our organization - have long been committed to doing,” Hansen said. “We feel honored to continue serving as caretakers of this small, but significant slice of the history of Pearl River.”

PHOTOS/ contributed