Clayton Hill
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
This is my third letter toward supporting the expansion of the Jefferson City National Cemetery by relocating the Miller Street Park and deeding the property to the U. S. government. Let us all work together to achieve this reality. We can start by attending the scheduled meeting at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at The Linc. Local service members, past service members and veterans should show in significant numbers to show the city we want this to happen - the sooner the better.
President Trump has reportedly donated a significant part of his salary in support of National cemeteries, and I appreciate the effort CW5 DeLong (Ret.) has put forth so far in taking the lead on this project. I will additionally offer my limited time and knowledge to assist his efforts. I suggest the city residents, local utilities, State of Missouri agencies involved (Lincoln University, MoDOT, MODNR) and possibly local law, engineering and surveying firms donate efforts to show solidarity.
Much preliminary planning can begin as soon as the city approves, and federal government accepts, the property - conceptual relocations of existing park facilities to MoDOT or LU properties under the viaduct and across from tennis courts, planning utility corridors for underground relocations with access lanes to remain existing rights-of-ways or in establishing new easements as required, can proceed ahead of federal actions. I don't know full scope of initial expansion area, but subsequent expansion should include all properties east to Clark, south along the Route R/W and further west south of Miller Street. The area is cluttered, in somewhat of a blight, and includes properties that could be better relocated for expansion elsewhere while showcasing patriotism and affording sound abatement.
This area has many military members past, present and future who need to be honored by providing this expansion. Please support both the expansion of the cemetery and the relocation of park facilities at adjacent city and state-owned properties.