Developer Seeks Rezoning of Sacred Land for Real Estate

East Elberton's Historic Cemetery
Pinetown Cemetery is the final resting place of early residents of East Elberton and their descendants. Burials date back to the late 19th century, with the first official burial in 1883. The earliest inhabitants were known to bury loved ones in this area long before. This historic cemetery is called “Pinetown” in memory of all the beautiful pine trees that once populated the area.

Our loved ones and heritage are at stake.
Many of our loved ones and ancestors are buried here. Although we secured the majority of this sacred land over a decade ago, a section we do not own was recently sold at auction and is now at risk of demolition, again. 

Development means demolition.
A local business owner plans to build mobile homes on the portion of Pinetown Cemetery located on parcel E32-037 at 1006 Second Street Extension. A road through the cemetery would need to be built in order to access the new homes. Development can move forward if the parcel owner succeeds in having the zoning changed from rural to residential. The Board of Commissioners will vote in the first week of May 2023.

This isn't the first time.
If rezoning is approved, development could lead to the disturbance and destruction of the burial ground. That's what happened in 1961 when local infrastructure was built in the cemetery, plowing over graves and removing headstones. Our community was devastated, and many still recall the trauma.

And now the threat is here again.
Rezoning and development of parcel E32-037 poses a grave threat to this historic cemetery. This would be a desecration of the sacred resting place of our ancestors and a violation of laws that protect burial grounds from disturbance.

But the law is on our side this time!
Georgia laws now favor leaving burials in place. For example:

1. Georgia Cemetery and Memorial Preservation Act of 1991
2. Abandoned Cemeteries Act 
3. The Georgia Code (O.C.G.A. Sections 31-21-1 through 31-21-9)
4. Georgia Case Law

Georgia preservation laws define human remains and burial objects as part of the state’s "finite, irreplaceable, and nonrenewable cultural heritage." Development of abandoned cemeteries is possible in some cases, but the law requires significant proof of abandonment – including archaeological, genealogical, and geographical evidence prior to any disinterment. The Georgia Codes prohibit the disturbance of human remains without authorization from the State Archaeologist or a court order. And in case law, descendants and heirs of persons buried in Georgia cemeteries have an implied easement on the property – meaning they can visit the burial site at will. (Unfortunately, the developer is not cooperating).

And we have witnesses.
Several witnesses have shared memories of the traumatizing demolition of graves in and around Parcel E32-037 in the 1960s, and at least one living relative of persons buried there has come forward. 

But we must act now!
We have about two weeks to rally support. That's when the County Commissioners will vote to approve or deny the rezoning request for Parcel E32-037 at Pinetown Cemetery. 

Will you help us?
We urge you to stand in solidarity with us so that all of Pinetown Cemetery remains protected and respected. Even though the vote is local, the issue is simply human. We all deserve to rest in peace.

Sign our petition to help us save Pinetown Cemetery!

Thank you for your support.