To Jim Simpson it is a family matter that need not be disturbed. To the developers of South Fulton Crossing shopping center it is a way to accommodate emerging business while preserving an old family graveyard.

A member of the Silvey family, Simpson took issue with Koman Properties, Inc. representative Christopher Miller who requested that an old 1,800 square-foot family gravesite be relocated 150 feet away to make room for future development on the northwest corner of South Fulton Parkway and Ga. Highway 92. The council decided to table the request for 30 days after hearing both sides of the controversy.

Miller said 13 plots had been located at the gravesite north of Hall Road by archaeologist Dr. Larissa Thomas. He asked that the graves be relocated further east toward Hwy. 92, adding that the relocation process would be handled professional and respectfully and that the developer would assure the family that perpetual maintenance would be provided. The developer would install 10 parking spaces for those wishing to visit the gravesite, Miller said.

Simpson and attorney Fred Stokes took issue with the proposal, citing the family’s opposition to the move. Simpson said he believed as many as nine additional graves are located on the property. Miller said proper notification have been provided to family members. Contrary to Miller’s statements, Simpson said he had not been notified about the intent to move his ancestors.

“Maybe (developers) have been too busy developing their casinos in other states to ask us,” Simpson said. “The cemetery is fine where it is.”

Another family concern associated with relocating the gravesite closer to Hwy. 92 concerned future population density in the area and the accompanying amount of traffic along the roadway. Any future widening of Hwy. 92 to accommodate increased traffic might give rise to calls for the gravesite to be relocated a second time, Simpson said.

Mayor Ralph Moore and council members listened patiently as both sides of the argument made their case at length. Both sides cited legal claim to their argument under Georgia law. In the end, the council opted to table the request for 30 days, giving time for a more accurate and thorough report to be prepared.

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