Cremation is one way to go when choosing funeral options, but Manhattan has no crematorium, the nearest being in Salina and Topeka. That’s just the issue the Manhattan City Commission came together to discuss at their work session last night. Many factors were brought up, from mercury emissions from the burning of tooth fillings to smoke as well as location choices. Numerous location ideas were posited, from various cemeteries to industrial zones.
Several funeral directors came forward to speak about the cremation process, the byproducts, and their thoughts on locations if they were to choose to build one. There are currently no plans from any funeral home in Manhattan to construct a crematorium. A number of citizens also spoke in opposition of the idea, citing factors like smoke, psychological effects, and property values.
In the end, the Commission provided a good amount of direction to City Staff, who will take up the matter further with the planning board.
