PUBLIC HEARING: Re Disinterment of the Norman/Lynn Cemetery at the Coles Firehouse

NOTICE:  PUBLIC HEARING

Norman/Lynn Cemetery at the Coles Firehouse in Independent Hill

There will be a Public Hearing on September 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. before the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors for comments on the possible disinterment of the graves beside the Coles Firehouse in Independent Hill.

The Hearing will be in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the James J. McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192.  (This is the brick building in the County Complex.)

Because of the cost of the proposed new firehouse, compared to the cost of alternatives, the vote of the Board of Supervisors is predisposed toward disinterment of the Norman/Lynn Cemetery situated in the lot immediately beside the present firehouse.  It should be noted that the County has been aware of this cemetery since the original firehouse was built.

The Norman/Lynn Cemetery was established at least as early as 1855, with the interment of Charles E. Norman, a local merchant and county magistrate.  It may even be older, with the early demise of two of Charles and Mary Frances (Lynn) Norman’s children who would undoubtedly have been buried in the family cemetery.

A large turnout at the Public Hearing would show the Board of Supervisors that all gravesites – even ones that have been neglected (in this case, by the county itself) – deserve respect and should be allowed to remain undisturbed.  Let our ancestors rest in peace!

PUBLIC NOTICE: December 16 Public Meeting Scheduled on Re-interment of 12th High School Graves

December 16 Public Meeting Scheduled on Re-interment of 12^th High School Graves

The Prince William County School Board will meet to hear public comments on plans for reinterring artifacts and remains from graves discovered during clearing for the county’s 12^th high school, now set for completion in 2016.  

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m., December 16, 2013, at the Board Meeting Room of the Edward Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road in Manassas.  

Archaeologists and others have completed study of the fragmentary remains from graves previously hidden beneath trees and brush that had grown for decades.  Insights and historical information will be presented so local residents can weigh in on appropriate ways to recognize and reinter the historic discoveries. 

Those wishing to address the School may:

-- Notify the Board Clerk in writing at P.O. Box 389, Manassas, VA 20108; by phone at 703.791.8709; or by email at pwcsclerk@pwcs.edu prior to noon on the day of the Board meeting to be placed on the list of speakers; or

-- Sign onto the list of speakers maintained at the entrance to the School Board meeting room at the beginning of the meeting, but prior to 6:55 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.

Please provide your name, address, phone number.  In keeping with Board policy, all registered speakers will receive three minutes to present their views, which will be considered in subsequent Board deliberations.