Hebrew Cemetary Submits Proposal to City To Acquire Additional Space

October 2023

Moses Luski, Hebrew Cemetery Association President

Over the past 10 years the Hebrew Cemetery Board of Directors has contemplated the future need for graves. Since the opening of the Memorial building and new sections, calculations were made to try to estimate how many years remained before all graves were sold. To the best of our calculations, family plots may be sold out on existing lands within 10 to 15 years. The options to expand were limited until about seven years ago when the Double Oaks School, located adjacent to our existing property, became surplus property of the city of Charlotte. Our attempts to secure and purchase the property were refused by the city as it had determined that other uses were best suited for that property. We have continued to communicate and meet with city and community leaders in attempts to gain at least part of the property. Recently, you may have heard that the City of Charlotte has officially asked for proposals for use of the property as community and mixed income housing.

Once again the cemetery board is attempting to acquire the site and to designate a portion of the property as cemetery grounds. This process is very public and influenced by competing interests. The proposal request issued by the City calls for low density development such as we are proposing, but there is pressure to make the housing portion more dense.

Our modest and neighborhood appropriate site utilization plan proposes to redevelop the Double Oaks School Property into a thriving community amenity with raised garden beds, a gathering gazebo which can also generate business activity, play and assembly fields, low density impact mixed income ownership housing connected to the adjoining neighborhoods, community center, and Camp North End. this plan complies with the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the City. Email director@hebrewcemetery.org for the site plan.

Importantly, our proposal also allows expansion of a thriving 156-year-old cemetery, extending its useful life at least 100 more years. This process will continue over many months culminating with the City accepting the Cemetery’s proposal or another proposal. It is our intention to at least be a part of the selected proposal. This is where we are today.

So what can you do today?

Any advocacy toward community members, leaders, and politicians are welcome and can benefit us. Once a plan is more solidified, fundraising is our next step. If this opportunity is not successful, future land will be sought outside of Mecklenburg County. It is our sincere goal to gain at least part of this property to help provide burial sites for the next several decades. Thank you for your interest and support.

To read local media coverage search for:

WSOC TV.org, “Charlotte’s Only Hebrew Cemetery Is Running Out of Room” WSOC TV.org, “Charlotte’s Hebew Cemetery Proposes Townhomes, Park Space as Part of Expansion Request” WFAE.org, “In Fast-changing North End, Hebrew Cemetery Looks To Expand and Provide Housing –For the Living” CharlotteObserver.com, “Charlotte Wants Housing to Replace Vacant School. Jewish Cemetery is Wary of City’s Plans.”

The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried at the Hebrew Cemetery in the month of August.

Robert Rose 7/29/1947 - 8/7/2023

Roger Malman 12/9/1948 - 8/25/2023