Dave Robertson gave me an update on Floral Hills Memory Gardens, the large cemetery on US 23 South that was abandoned by its owners about a decade ago.
Robinson’s team of volunteers have been maintaining it. A court case opened the way to Huntington Township taking it over, but Robertson says there is another complication.
The case determined it was effectively a public cemetery on October 17th, and so it could be cared for by a local government.
But now, Robertson says the two trusts that still exist for the upkeep of the cemetery – which have been untouched since its owner left it – are being threatened by the bank that holds them. He says the bank’s attorney wants $54,677 in legal fees, which will bankrupt the perpetual fund and then dip into the other which is funded by burials.
To help explain and publicize the situation, Robertson says he got approval to be on the steps of the Ross County Courthouse Thursday. He says he will be there alone, 4:30 to 7pm on March 21st, to answer questions as best he can.
He says he has combed through the paperwork on the cemetery, including the documents he obtained through a records request.
Hear him in his own words in the video in the article on the Scioto Post. Find Robertson’s posts on the Facebook page “Clean Up Floral Hills Memorial Gardens,” with a post on his Thursday information session.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.
1 of 2 Dave Robertson gives an update on Floral Hills Memory Gardens on March 18th, 2024.
2 of 2 Dave Robertson offers an information session on Floral Hills Memory Gardens on March 21st, 2024.