120-Acre Forest Lawn Expansion To Proceed Despite Environmental Fears
GLENDALE (CBS) — A long-term expansion plan at Forest Lawn Cemetery will move forward despite opposition from environmental activists.
The project involves 120 acres of its own currently undeveloped land adjacent to Griffith Park.
KNX 1070's Chris Sedens reports in response to the outcry, the company's top executive has vowed to move forward on the development "very gently" and "sensitively".
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"This is a long-range project — over 50 years — so it is not as if the entire 120 acres will be developed tomorrow," said Darin Drabing, Forest Lawn's President and CEO.
Among those expressing concern about the expansion are the Friends of Griffith Park, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council, the Sierra Club and the California Department of Fish and Game.
The groups warn the development could have a disastrous impact on the area's woodlands, wildlife corridors and creatures.
In addition to almost 110,000 new grave sites, the new facility would also include more than 90,000 spaces for above-ground interments.
