Copps Hill Burial Ground Restoration

An update on the restoration of Copps Hill Burial Ground, that is flanked by three North End streets and a housing development, was presented at last week’s North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association Parks and Open Spaces Committee monthly meeting held at the Nazzaro Community Center.

Kelly J. Thomas of the Historic Burial Grounds Initiative Design and Construction Unit presented the proposed plan that will restore the rod-iron fencing on Charter Street, repair some of the wall where needed and do some other work inside the cemetery overlooking Boston Harbor.

Two grants, one for $25 thousand and another for $75 thousand have been committed to the project, with the City picking up the rest of the cost estimated at $140 to $200 thousand.

Some of the work dealing with the fencing could be done this winter with the installation and other repairs starting this spring, according to Thomas.

During construction there will be no street shutdown and no vehicles need to be moved, however, there will be some sidewalk inconvenience. A police detail will be hired for the duration of the project, according to Thomas.

Committee chair Anne Pistorio, who has been involved throughout the plan stages, was “pleased” with the current plans. She did recommend that in the next stage of the project, if there is one, that the two lighting fixtures be repaired or replaced.

Other residents pointed out the wall on Snow Hill Street is in dire need of repair and that a tree in the area needs attention as well.

Thomas said she would “look into both requests.”

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.