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Crematorium Proposal

NORTHWOOD -- The phrase, not in my backyard was heard throughout the audience at a board of zoning appeals meeting in Northwood.

Residents there are upset about a crematorium proposed for the corner of Tracy and Andrus road.

An angry group of Northwood residents filled city council chambers to voice concerns over the idea of a crematorium in their town. "I'm afraid of health problems that can occur," said Veronica Henkins. "The community does not want to smell this every single day.  It's going to start out small and I guarantee it, it's going to go big."

The crematorium would be an expansion of the Turner Vault Company, which opened for business two years ago. Its crematorium is currently located across town. Many residents have received a flyer claiming mercury emissions can be traced to crematoriums.

Bill Ahern represents Turner Vault Company. He said that's simply not true. "That is what this circular is all about to enflame the citizens without any facts," said Ahern.

The crematorium expansion was defeated Tuesday night. There were five no votes, one abstension and one yes vote. The Turner Vault Company can appeal the decision to the Northwood city council.  If they do, it could be on the council's agenda in two weeks.

Updated at 11:45pm Tuesday by ismith@wtol.com