Bethany City Council Approves Crematory Near Homes

A standing room only Bethany City Council meeting ended with a 5-4 vote in favor of a zoning change, and many upset residents.

Mercer-Adams Funeral home wants to build a funeral home with a crematory on a plot of land on the 4100 block of Council Road, just south of the 39th Street Expressway.

The owners said they want to keep up with requests to provide cremation services instead of using a third party.

Matt Schinske said he was able to gather 300 signatures against the proposal. Many people say they are concerned about potential smells, possible exposure to mercury, and decreasing property values.

“It's right by Sterling House of Bethany, a senior adult living center. 6 of their residents will be looking out at it, sipping a cup of coffee and realizing they see a person going up in smoke. It's emotionally devastating for that person,” said Schinske.

The Bethany City Council meeting lasted four hours.

2/17/2015 Related Story: Big Turnout At Bethany City Council Meeting Regarding Possible Crematory