В Кранстоне спустя 20 лет не найдено решения по заброшенному мавзолею с сотнями останков

Cranston mausoleum housing hundreds of remains still awaits permanent solution CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — More than 20 years after it was declared abandoned, the deteriorating mausoleum near Roger Williams Park in Cranston remains without a permanent solution, despite ongoing concerns about security, vandalism and the hundreds of human remains inside. The NBC 10 I-Team has reported on the property for more than five years. Over that time, there have been reports of graffiti, vandalism and break-ins at the mausoleum. Funeral director Andrew Correia, who has followed the issue for years, said the situation is unlike anything he has seen in the region. “We’re talking about hundreds of human remains, in a place that is not safe,” Correia said. “I don’t think New England has experienced this kind of mausoleum issue of this scale ever before.” The property was declared abandoned in 2005. Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins said the city has taken steps to secure the area, including clearing vegetation, installing fencing and removing windows to deter vandalism. “We cleared all the brush so people could see it, then we put fencing around it — closed it,” Hopkins said. “We’ve taken out some of the windows so people don’t smash them.” But nearby residents say concerns remain. One woman, who asked not to be identified or recorded, said homeowners have taken turns cleaning the area surrounding the building and cemetery. Hopkins said the city has met its responsibilities but faces a complicated ownership issue. “It’s an ongoing issue because the owners have passed away,” Hopkins said. “There is nobody to inherit it. Nobody wants to take responsibility for it.” The mayor said additional restoration is not planned unless federal funding becomes available. Correia said he fears the same questions will still be unresolved years from now. “It’s been the same all along: kick the can down the road,” he said. “Here we are again.”