The City of Mount Vernon has commenced an expansion of Mound View Cemetery to address the issue of limited burial space, driven by increasing demand.
"This expansion is an important investment for our community’s future generations," said Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr in a news release. "Mound View Cemetery is not only a final resting place, but a space of peace, memory, and history. By preparing these new sections, we’re ensuring that residents and families will continue to have access to a well-maintained, dignified cemetery as our City grows."
According to a news release from the city, more than 1,200 new grave sites will be added across two newly designed sections.
As said in the release, only 240 full-sized grave sites were available at the cemetery as of July 2025, all located within Section T. The city began planning efforts to expand the cemetery's capacity in 2024 to ensure continued service to the community and future generations.
In May 2024, the city retained Grever & Ward Inc., a nationally recognized cemetery planning and design firm. Site surveys were conducted and designs developed for two new sections: Section R and Section S. Design work began in August 2024, with final topographical maps and site plans delivered earlier this year.
Excavation work started in July with Beheler Excavating hired as the contractor. The first phase involved terminating existing grass for grading preparation. The contractor is removing and stockpiling topsoil for later use during final grading. Once rough grading is complete, the site will be shaped according to design plan specifications. Permanent markers will be installed throughout the site to guide future development and grave site layout.
