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cow-island t1_jadejm9 wrote

Reply to comment by VCUBNFO in Richmond mulls historic cemetery takeover by CrassostreaVirginica

This cemetery is unique, created by black richmonders in the late 1800s who were segregated from white cemeteries. There’s a lot of history there, and a lot of people in this community have worked hard to uncover it, as the city has left it neglected. It would be a slap in the face to this community to pave it over for an apartment complex

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plummbob t1_jadjpkp wrote

> It would be a slap in the face to this community to pave it over for an apartment complex

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don't we have a housing shortage? isn't that housing shortage felt most acutely on people akin to this community? isn't that shortage caused by historical land-use segregation that resulted in widespread inequities that are preserved still to this day?

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wenkexiette t1_jads6x5 wrote

we have more than enough space unoccupied by historic black cemeteries, including buildings that could be renovated or torn down. preserving this cemetery would NOT be the way to go to rectify the inequality caused by segregation - it would be hiding those horrors.

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Danger-Moose t1_jae2pf1 wrote

Would you make this comment about Hollywood Cemetery?

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plummbob t1_jae4jeo wrote

I live within in walking distance of Maury Cemetery, and if the city decided to bulldoze that place, and zone if for mixed use, sprinkle in some subsidized units for good luck.... I wouldn't shed a tear.

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And neither would the general market, because its not like proximity to the cemetery and its, I assume important historical value, is doing much for value of land of the surrounding area.

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Danger-Moose t1_jae4mpj wrote

You didn't answer the question.

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plummbob t1_jae5vjm wrote

They're equivalent to me. Preserve whatever specific plots you want, like James Monroe, or whoever. Allow people to build up around it.

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Or don't. The guy is dead. Its not like he'd care.

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Danger-Moose t1_jaed5zm wrote

> Preserve whatever specific plots you want, like James Monroe, or whoever. Allow people to build up around it.

I'm imagining the presidents' tombs completely surrounded by ugly condos.

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plummbob t1_jaeeh4e wrote

I love the thought of a huge housing development surrounding the grave of a slave owning president who thought that black people just couldn't assimilate if freed.

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raindeerpie t1_jadxjmg wrote

we have plenty of land and having large green spaces in cities is important. especially when housing density increases. you sound like the type of person who wants to develop central park.

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plummbob t1_jadzree wrote

I don't think a cementary is a usable green space that is even remotely analogous to a park

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goodsam2 t1_jae0ufw wrote

It was in prior contexts, Hollywood cemetery is kinda supposed to be used as a park.

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latesaturate t1_jae9xeu wrote

I think Hollywood Cemetery is a perfect example of a cemetery that is usable green space/a park

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raindeerpie t1_jaeauey wrote

Hollywood is great for walks and jogging through. but you're right. typically a cemetery is not a super usable space and not a great comparison to a park. but it can still provide a good aesthetic, a home for wildlife, and a somewhat peaceful break to a city scape.

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plummbob t1_jaedlcz wrote

If we exhumed every corpse from there, got rid of the gravestones but retained some built structures, and named the area "cool nice place park" the benefits would be the same --- This has everything to do with how its designed environment, and nothing to do with the fact that dead people lay there.

Compare Maury cemetary to Hollywood.Or compare Hollywood to the cementary literally right next to it. Hollywood is nice because its got all the things a good park has --- a built environment, trees and shade, and easy proximity to amenities.

Whereas Maury is next to nothing, has zero trees and shade, and effectively no built environment. Riverview Cemetery has 1 of the 3 things.....similar proximity to actual social life, but lacks any trees and built environment.

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The lesson is that cemetery's can be good parks, if they're designed like good parks.

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There ain't nobody going for a stroll around Maury Cemetery, or playing football with their kid or whatever.

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TheCheeseDevil t1_jaebu4w wrote

the city already paved over TWO historic Black cemeteries, you're arguing to make it three?

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pchnboo t1_jadszd2 wrote

What do you mean with this comment?

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