An original Master Plan for the cemetery, created in 1999, did not fully anticipate changing burial preferences; specifically, families are increasingly opting for traditional, in-ground burials with gravestones rather than cremation or other options. As a result, currently less than two percent of the cemetery’s total sites remain available for purchase by families.

Accordingly, a revision to the Master Plan was prepared for consideration by the Herndon Town Council.

Approximately four acres of land in the northwest section of cemetery will be developed to accommodate the additional burial sites required to maintain the cemetery’s viability as a stand-alone enterprise fund and to meet market demand. The plan also calls for the installation of two new stormwater management facilities and accommodates a 60' wide buffer between the cemetery and adjacent homes.

Part of the project will include an additional two new stormwater facilities. Those plans are currently in design to determine the least impactful option to our neighbors.

The new facility will increase the total volume of stormwater that is held at the cemetery when it rains.  The outfall for the new facility will be designed to release this runoff at a lower rate of flow, over a longer period, than the current condition.  The reduced flow rates benefit downstream properties and the town’s local streams by reducing localized flooding, sediment deposits, and erosion.  Ultimately this will improve the health of town streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

We recognize the importance of providing separation between residential properties and the cemetery.  At this time, we envision a 45' undisturbed natural buffer and a 15' planted landscape buffer comprised of a combination of existing and supplemental trees and shrubs. With this approach, larger existing trees would continue to provide canopy while existing understory trees and proposed infill trees and shrubs would provide more robust screening.  There is very little to no re-grading expected within the buffer, and while some unhealthy, unsafe, and invasive landscaping may be removed, it  would be replaced with plant material more suitable for a buffer than the current landscaping.       

Along the cemetery side of the buffer, low points will be elevated by 8-12 feet to improve drainage and create suitable areas for additional grave sites.  The site will then slope down to the buffer area.  We will be landscaping the top of the new slope with planting of overstory and understory deciduous trees, evergreens and shrubs. While trees will need to be removed to accommodate the new development, those that can be saved based on tree health, safety risks and viability will be identified and protected. 

Wildlife habitats will be disrupted. However, the trees and shrubs planted in the buffer area will be native plants that will ultimately provide habitat for local pollinators, animals, and other wildlife. 

We intend to minimize work in the buffer area and retain as many trees as possible.  The buffer should provide adequate protection for trees on adjacent property.  The project will include a tree protection plan that will closely analyze impacts and identify the most appropriate measures for protecting and preserving any trees that may be impacted by the construction.

The purpose of the town’s community meetings is to answer your questions, solicit your feedback and hear your concerns.  If you have comments after these meetings, please send them via  email to Randy Schell, randy.schell@herndon-va.gov by March 28.  We will consider your input and review the design as the town develops the site plan and landscaping plan.  A more developed design should be available between July and August.  When the design is further developed, we will come back to you with the concepts and continued dialogue.

Thank you for your valuable feedback and input. Our aim is to move forward with a cemetery  project that achieves the town’s goals while considering, and honoring, our neighbors’ concerns.