MOUNT VERNON – In response to increasing demand and limited remaining burial space, the City of Mount Vernon has officially begun the expansion of Mound View Cemetery, adding more than 1,200 new grave sites across two newly designed sections.
As of July 2025, only 240 full-sized grave sites remain available at Mound View Cemetery – all located within Section T.
To ensure continued service to the community and future generations, the City initiated planning efforts in 2024 to expand the cemetery’s capacity.
In May 2024, the City retained the services of Grever & Ward, Inc., a nationally recognized cemetery planning and design firm.
The firm conducted site surveys and developed designs for two new sections: Section R and Section S. Grever & Ward began the design work in August 2024, and final topographical maps and site plans were delivered earlier this year.
Excavation work commenced this month with the hiring of a qualified excavation contractor, Beheler Excavating.
The first phase of site preparation included termination of the existing grass to prepare for grading. The contractor is currently removing and stockpiling topsoil for later use during final grading.
Once rough grading is complete, the site will be shaped to the specifications of the design plans, and permanent markers will be installed throughout to guide future development and grave site layout.
Upon completion, the expansion will add a total of 1,256 additional burial sites:
- Section R: 502 grave sites
- Section S: 754 grave sites
“This expansion is an important investment for our community’s future generations,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr. “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.”