A
new senior center on top of the Snohomish Pioneer Cemetery?
--The City of Snohomish and the Snohomish Senior Center were hoping to
receive funds to build a newer and larger senior center on top of this
historic site. In October 2003, the City submitted an application
for a Community Development Block Grant for $800,000.
Many remember in 1997, descendants Wayne and Ruth Moore filed suit
in the Superior Court of the County of Snohomish to stop the City from
decertifying the cemetery. This suit continues today due to the
City's lack of work as detailed by Judge Charles French. It is
unknown when the work might, if ever, be completed. In the meantime,
the senior center remains open.
State law requires that
buildings built on cemetery property be used strictly for cemetery
business. Not only is the building not being used for cemetery
purposes, but the upstairs is actually an apartment the seniors rent out
for income purposes. Recently it was found that in addition to cars
parking on the lot paved over the deceased, they are parking on other
areas of the cemetery, as well.
Washington State Cemetery Association opposed the City of
Snohomish's application for a CDBG and wrote a letter to Snohomish
County. To view the letter, click
here.
The application for funds was not granted. To view the
County's recommendation, click here.
Marshland
Cemetery
--Marshland Cemetery, in Snohomish County, WA, is in need of help.
If you would be interested in participating in a cemetery association for
this cemetery, please contact Ed Wall at 425.337.1823 in Snohomish.
Downs
Cemetery
--A report developed by Andi MacDonald, WSCA President, was released on
4/1/04. The report contains information on ownership issues, news
articles, photos, desecrations, a police investigation, county
commissioners meetings, public works soil redistribution, and much
more. To view a copy of the report in full, click
here (the report is very large-over 100 pages-and will take a while to
download).
