Naugatuck housing plan delayed as residents question historic graves
A proposed 11-lot housing development in Naugatuck, Connecticut, has been delayed after two tombstones were found on the site and residents raised concerns that they mark graves dating from the 1800s. The dispute matters because construction may be restricted if human remains are found, and residents say the land should not be disturbed until the question is resolved.
The developers say the stones were moved there and the people named are buried at Hillside Cemetery, citing written confirmation from its superintendent. However, cemetery officials have not provided authorised burial records, and the planning committee says it needs clear evidence before deciding what can proceed. If remains are found, state rules require a 50-foot perimeter around the grave; the developers say the stones are in a wetland area away from the building work.
- Tombstones have stalled plans for 11 homes in Naugatuck.
- Developers say the people are buried at Hillside Cemetery.
- Officials want records before deciding whether construction can proceed.
New here? Start with this
A proposed 11-lot housing development in Naugatuck, Connecticut, has stalled after two tombstones were discovered on the site. Local residents believe the stones mark graves from the 1800s and are concerned that construction work could disturb human remains buried there.
Connecticut state rules protect burial sites by requiring a 50-foot perimeter around any graves that are discovered. If remains are confirmed on the property, the developers' building plans would face restrictions. The planning committee is waiting for definitive proof about whether the graves are actually on the development site before allowing the project to proceed.
The developers claim the tombstones were placed on the land at a later date and that the people named on them are buried elsewhere, at Hillside Cemetery. They point to written confirmation from the cemetery's superintendent in support of this claim. Without authorised burial records from the cemetery, the planning committee says it cannot clear the way for construction.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The tombstones bearing names and dates suggest a genuine burial history that deserves protection until proven otherwise. Authorised burial records have not yet been provided to confirm the developers' claim that remains are elsewhere, and state regulations rightly impose strict protections around graves. Proceeding without definitive proof risks disturbing human remains and disrespecting the deceased; this is a matter of historical preservation and basic dignity rather than obstruction.
The case against
The developers have provided written confirmation from the cemetery superintendent that the named individuals are buried at Hillside Cemetery, indicating the tombstones were likely relocated to the site rather than marking actual graves. The planning committee can request formal burial records to verify this. Since the stones sit in a wetland area away from proposed building work, construction and grave protection need not conflict. Proceeding based on existing evidence whilst allowing time for record verification represents a reasonable balance between property rights and historical concerns.
Business Companies Culture Fashion UK World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Stunning New England development of modern farmhouse-style homes plunged into chaos over fears dead bodies are buried under construction site”.