Published: June 24, 2008 11:00 pm         

Resolution opposing crematorium passes

Beckley Common Council members have passed a resolution opposing a city funeral home’s planned crematorium.

H.E. Melton III, the funeral home owner, expressed his disappointment, and says he is awaiting word from state regulators who have the final say as to whether or not he can operate the facility.

The resolution states that Beckley Common Council goes on record as being opposed to a proposed crematorium located on Melton Mortuary’s property, at the corner of Harper Road and Sunrise Avenue. The reason stated was the facility’s proximity to residential neighborhoods. Residents in the nearby Tank Hill neighborhood, who say the facility will adversely affect their physical health and property values, have addressed council members at the past two regular meetings.

Beckley Common Council passed the resolution Tuesday night unanimously, sans the votes of Councilwoman Ann Worley (Ward 2) and Councilman A.K. Minter (Ward 1). Both were absent from the meeting. Mayor Emmett Pugh said even though the resolution does not have the power of law, it will be sent to agencies that regulate crematories to let regulators know council members’ opinions.

Melton Mortuary has reapplied for a permit with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Air Quality to operate a new human and animal crematorium. According to a previous story in The Register-Herald, Melton’s initial permit was denied when the DEP determined emissions exceeded allowable limits.

However, Melton said Tuesday that there was a “human error” mistake in the application, and a new one was sent to the DEP May 5.

If the DEP approves the facility, it will then have to be licensed by the state board of funeral service examiners.

Melton addressed council members before they voted and expressed his disappointment afterward.

“I tried to present my side, but they chose to pass the resolution,” he said. “I don’t agree, but that’s the reason we live in a free country.”

Council members must consider the rights of Beckley’s citizens — and its businesses who operate legally, Melton said.

He said the crematorium was a “substantial investment” and the decision to build it was not taken lightly. The reasons for building the crematorium and in the location he chose were that first, families are often concerned about their loved ones’ custodies during the cremation process. Therefore, he chose to have any cremations take place at the funeral home’s site.

Also, this would allow any family members who want to participate in the cremation process — often because of religious beliefs — to be present, Melton said. He noted his location, for many years, has been zoned for business use.

Crematories locating close to residential areas is nothing new, according to Melton. Years ago, the former Keyser and Bryant Funeral Home at Johnstown Road and Klaus Street operated one near residential properties. Klaus Street resident Gary McDonald, a lifelong resident of that area, said no one ever became sick because of the crematory.

Melton also presented a petition which he said had signatures of 450 people supporting the facility, including a Sunrise Avenue resident.

“The ‘ayes’ aren’t as vocal as the ‘nays’, but there are some ayes,” Melton said.

However, Councilman Robert Rappold (At-Large) noted some of those signing the petition had addresses in Cool Ridge, Shady Spring and Meadow Bridge.

“Perhaps if I lived in Shady Spring, Cool Ridge or Daniels, I wouldn’t have the same feelings,” he said.

Councilman Cedric Robertson (At-Large), who also questioned the language in a legal advertisement, said residents knowing cremations are taking place nearby could suffer adverse psychological affects.

“Bottom line, I would not want that near my house,” he said. “I’m just saying I would not want that near my house.”