HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted to recommend closing an alley located between the Newtown Cemetery and parcels fronting along Hill Street and Gay Street.

The 4-2 vote came after a lengthy discussion during the commission’s meeting Wednesday evening.

The 17-foot-wide alley next to Newtown Cemetery was created in 1909 and last month, ground penetrating radar identified three potential unmarked graves in or near the alley.

Commissioner Shannon Porter recommends the alley closure, saying respect for the unmarked graves should be the most important consideration.

“I view that as an issue related to the public interest.” Porter said. “I think there are some things that are more important than the broader issue of connectability or accessibility or whether kids can get back and forth along this space.”

City staff had recommended denying the closure of the alley unless there were some alternatives, including a 10-foot easement through portions of the alley to allow residents to access their rear yards.

The issue will be presented to City Council at its June 10th meeting.