HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg City Council approved the request from Newtown Cemetery to close an alley between the Newtown Cemetery and parcels fronting along Hill Street and Gay Street. 

Back in April, Ground Penetrating Radar identified three potential unmarked graves in or near the alley. 

The recommendation of the closure is for there to be space for respect for the unmarked graves. 

Mayor Deanna Reed said that for her, if there is any chance there are burials in the alley, it is sacred ground. 

“I feel like as a city we should take care of that,” said Mayor Reed. “And so, if this is the way we take care of it, just releasing it to the trustees, then I believe that’s our duty to do.”

The vote to close the alley was unanimous.