TX-CEMETERIES-L Archives

From: "Eldon Sanders" <>
Subject: [TX-Cem] Davis Cemetery, Leander, TX.
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 10:24:25 -0600

In November 2001, there was considerable discussion concerning the fact that flagging, perhaps that of surveyors of a road construction project, were appearing in the Davis Cemetery located east of the City of Leander, TX. Concerns that such a project would encroach upon the Davis Cemetery were expressed by many persons on this list. At that time, I inquired, by e-mail, of the City Manager of Leander if she could confirm that the City of Leander had plans for road construction that would encroach upon the cemetery properties. Unfortunately, my effort to get an e-mail delivered was unsuccessful. An effort was made. again via e-mail, to get a message delivered to the City Manager through the City Manager. Apparently, that e-mail was delivered, but no response was forthcoming. Then, I tried to make contact with the City Manager by telephone. My message was taken by a voice recorder and a response to my home was requested. None was forthcoming. Bill Morris seemed to hav!
e more success in getting through to some city officials that I, so I withdrew in favor of having of having only one person making inquiries. Sometime later, a reference was made to things "dying on the vine" and the Davis Cemetery matter was cited as an example.

On March 10th, I sent the following e-mail message to the mayor of the City of Leander:

Dear Mr. Mayor: I have attempted, both through telephone effort and e-mail postings to the City Manager and the City Secretary, to obtain information concerning the Davis Cemetery without success. Specifically, I have been informed by persons transitting the area that flagging has appeared in the Cemetery which perhaps has been placed by road construction surveyors. My question to the City Manager and the City Secretary is simply, "Does the City of Leander have any plans for road construction that would encroach upon the Cemetery properties?" I have discussed this matter with both the Williamson County Roads Department and with the Austin Disitrict of the Texas Department of Transportation and both deny having such plans. However, the TxDOT representative did indicate that the City of Leander could have a plan that would eventually involve the TxDOT in some aspects of construction on FM 2243. My interest, and that of many others who subscribe to the "Save The Cemeter!
ies Program" of the State of Texas, is not inimical to any plans that the city may have. However, we would like to be assured that any devised plan would protect the integrity of this burying place and the remains of persons interred therein. I will appreciate your response to my inquiry. Sincerely,
Eldon L. Sanders, Lt Col, USAF (MSC), Retired (936) 825-2491.

Within a period of three hours, I received the following reply from the mayor:

Col Sanders,

As we examine the options for improving 2243 one of the options we are required to examine is improving the existing right-of-way. This examination must be in addition to any other alignment we might consider. Part of that process is understanding precisely what impact any such construction would have on historic landmarks such as the Davis Cemetery. Please be assured that the surveying you have seen is to gather information on the impact any construction would have. It in no way signals imminent construction, or indeed that any such construction is even likely.

As we and TXDOT consider the future of 2243 we must do so armed with all the facts, including the impact of any given alignment on historic sites. Clearly, the destruction of any historic site is something we and TXDOT strive to avoid. The information gathered by the city on the impact improving the existing alignment will have on the Davis Cemetery will be used in support of other alignments.

We welcome public participation in the route selection process. I forwarded your email to our City Secretary, who will ensure that you are notified about upcoming public hearings.

The following response was sent to the mayor on 10 March:

Dear Mr. Mayor: Your response and candor with regard to the Davis Cemetery are indeed appreciated. I am satisfied that this historic landmark is not in immediate danger of encroachment. I take comfort in the knowledge that the officials of the City of Leander are cognizant of our interest. Sincerely, Eldon L. Sanders, Lt Col, USAF (MSC), Retired

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• [TX-Cem] Davis Cemetery, Leander, TX. by "Eldon Sanders" <>