JACKSON — Two members of the Jackson Township Council have voted to waive a state law that limits the number of cemeteries in a municipality.
The council’s action opens the door for the Diocese of Trenton to proceed with plans to establish a cemetery at Route 571 and Leesville Road in Jackson.
The Planning Board approved the plan for the cemetery in April.
According to state law, no more than five cemeteries may be established in one municipality.
Jackson had already reached its limit for cemeteries, although council President Kenneth Bressi described some of the older cemeteries as being less than adequate for the township’s needs.
“If you look at the size of the town, a lot of the cemeteries are smaller than [this meeting room],” Bressi said.
On its property, the Diocese of Trenton has plans to establish a two-story mausoleum and 1,500 burial plots, according to testimony that was provided to the Planning Board.
An attorney representing the diocese previously told the Tri-Town News that construction of the mausoleum and cemetery is not expected to start for several years.
Councilwoman Ann Updegrave and Councilwoman Bobbie Rivere voted on July 10 to waive the state law that would have limited the number of cemeteries in town.
Councilman Scott Martin and Councilman Mike Kafton were absent from the meeting.
Bressi abstained from the vote because he works at the Church of St. Veronica in Howell.
“I am on the church payroll, which puts me kind of with the diocese. I deal with the diocese on a regular basis; even on the Planning Board, I stayed away [from the cemetery application],” Bressi said.
“We are pleased with this decision,” Diocese of Trenton spokeswoman Rayanne Bennett said. “It allows the diocese to ensure there will be Catholic burials for many years into the future.”
Representatives of the diocese will eventually return to the Planning Board to present a final site plan for the cemetery.
— Andrew Martins