Dignity Memorial saw the story in Valley News Group’s papers last week on the purchase of the Boething Property and plans to use the 32-acres as a cemetery. They reached out with the following statement and answers to the many questions asked by our readers.
“Dignity Memorial is planning a new cemetery and funeral home to serve families in the greater Los Angeles area at the current Boething Tree Nursery site in Woodland Hills,” said Aaron Green, project spokesperson. “We understand this represents a significant change for the neighborhood. We value being a good neighbor and look forward to open conversations as we move forward with our plans. We’re committed to creating a facility that respects both the families we’ll serve and the community we’ll join.”
Ownership
Q: Who owns the property?
A: Dignity Memorial and its parent company are leading providers of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services. The families we serve trust us for professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail.
Traffic and Noise
Q: Will there be more traffic during funerals?
A: Funeral services are small and happen during midday hours, not during rush hour. You might notice a few more cars for a short time, but surrounding neighborhoods will see minimal impacts.
Q: Will there be construction noise?
A: Construction will only happen during approved daytime hours. We’ll work closely with neighbors and elected officials to ensure we remain sensitive to impacts on surrounding communities, and to ensure they are informed of construction schedules.
Visual Impact
Q: What will it look like from my house?
A: Think of a park-like setting with trees, shrubs, and green lawns. We’re planning landscaped buffers around the entirety of the property, thus neighbors and passersby will see greenery, not buildings or parking areas.
Q: Will there be fencing or landscaping?
A: Yes. There will be a mix of fencing and landscaping to create privacy, mark the property boundary, and keep the view pleasant.
Environmental Concerns
Q: Will it affect groundwater or cause flooding?
A: No. We have to meet strict environmental and drainage requirements before anything gets built. Those plans are reviewed and approved by the City agencies to make sure water flows safely and doesn’t create runoff issues.
Q: Are chemicals used for embalming a risk?
A: No. Embalming is done indoors following strict safety rules. It doesn’t pose a risk to the water, soil, or the surrounding neighborhood.
Q: Will there be a crematorium on site?
A: There is not a crematorium planned for the future cemetery.
Zoning and Notification
Q: Was the land zoned for this?
A: Yes. The property’s zoning allows for a cemetery, among other more impactful uses. By utilizing the site for cemetery purposes, this prevents the site from being developed into a more dense or disruptive use and guarantees it as a quiet and green space.
Q: Why weren’t we notified sooner?
A: Our plans for the property have been under development for some time, and we are still in the process of finalizing our plans for the site. We did not want to share plans that were incomplete, which could have created confusion if the plans were updated. We are committed to answering questions and sharing updates to ensure surrounding neighborhoods aren’t in the dark.
Cultural/Personal Discomfort
Q: I’m uncomfortable living next to a cemetery. Can anything be done?
A: Our goal is to make the property a calm, beautiful, and respectful space. The landscaping, design, and upkeep will ensure the site blends into the neighborhood aesthetic as a peaceful and quiet green space.
Lighting and Hours
Q: Will there be nighttime lighting?
A: There will be no bright lights operating at the site at nighttime, though there will be smaller downlights for safety purposes. Any lighting will be soft, shielded, and directed downward to prevent spillage into neighboring properties.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: The grounds will be open during daylight hours. Funerals and other services are primarily daytime events with occasional nighttime activities such as evening services, memorials and visitations.
We’re committed to being a good neighbor. If you have more questions, please reach out to: Aaron Green, President, The Afriat Consulting Group at aaron@afriat.com.
