No Decision on Crematory at Jardine's

The city Planning Commission has tabled plans for to add a crematory to its Pearl Road business.

The commission Thursday night delayed requests for a conditional use permit and site plan approval for the property at 15822 Pearl Rd.

Chairman Jeffrey Ice said the commission will "do a little more homework" on the impact of a crematory before deciding.

The issue will come up again at the July 26 meeting.

 about crematories emiting hazardous amounts of mercury into the air.

The mercury comes from fillings in people's teeth, and it's not a new issue -- funeral homes across the country have faced fights to build crematories in recent years.

But at a public hearing Thursday night, no residents spoke against the crematory.

Instead, eight residents, many from Hunting Meadows, stood up and spoke in favor of the project.

"I have absolutely, positively no concerns of any negative things the crematory would bring to Strongsville," said Tom Brubeck, a Jardine's employee who said his Raccoon Trail home is the closest of any house to the site.

"I do not believe they (the Jardines) would do anything to put their children in jeopardy, or mine," said Tom Krebs of Rabbit Run Drive.

Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney, who serves on the Planning Commission, said he spent hours researching the subject last weekend and found a study that showed the area around one 40-year-old crematory had 200 times lower mercury levels than what is allowed on a children's playground.

Jason Jardine said the equipment he is buying is a state-of-the-art machine that is designed to run in neighborhoods and emit no smoke or smell. Nearby Wendy's and Burger King produce more emissions into the air, he said.

The equipment would be used only for Jardine clients and could not be rented by other funeral homes.

Jardine said having on-site cremation equipment would ease worries of many distraught families who would now be able to keep their loved ones close to home.

He also said cremation is becoming a more common choice, with about 40 percent of people opting for it.