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The cemetery has been the center of a dispute between Friends of Boone and surrounding property owner Bernardo Brunetti, who purchased the land surrounding the cemetery from Grace and Walter Stemme in June. When Brunetti bought the land, he believed he owned the cemetery though an exemption states the 1-acre parcel where the cemetery is located was not included in the sale and was never legally owned by the Stemmes, county records show.
According to Friends of Boone members, they are interested in preserving the cemetery and improving the nearby Boone Monument plaque area as a tourist destination. It's their intent, members say, to work with Brunetti on the project.
About 20 members of the group met with commissioners Aug. 3 concerned about the cemetery's future. Citing a state statute, five or more people may petition to enlarge a cemetery area through condemnation if an agreement cannot be worked out with the surrounding property owner.
The group submitted a petition of more than 20 names asking the commissioners to be caretakers of the cemetery. No other group or individuals submitted a petition by the Sept. 14 deadline, according to the commissioners.
Brunetti also recently met with commissioners and voiced his desire to make the cemetery and the surrounding property he owns a historical destination. But Friends of Boone members are concerned that Brunetti wants to have significant input on cemetery decisions.
The commissioners said Monday they are attempting to schedule a meeting between the Friends of Boone organization and Brunetti to help resolve the dispute.
MTV MS BOONE CEMETERY 09.17.09
