Community Meeting Addresses Proposed Crematorium Addition at Borgwardt Funeral Home

On April 23rd, a preliminary community meeting was held at the Borgwardt Funeral Home to discuss a proposed addition to the facility—a crematorium. The purpose of the gathering was to provide initial information and answer questions from Beltsville residents.

Representatives from the crematorium’s manufacturing company joined the meeting via Zoom from Ohio, as did members of the law firm supporting the project. Although the lead attorney, Russell W. Shipley, was not present, a brief presentation was delivered outlining the plans for the expansion.

The proposal includes a new cremation facility located at the far back right of the building (when viewed from Powder Mill Road), approximately the same size as the viewing room inside the funeral home. The presentation also offered a history of the Borgwardt family’s presence in the community, which many found informative.

A key reason for the proposed expansion is the increased demand for cremation services, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Borgwardt Funeral Home works with a facility in Northern Virginia, but the distance and rising demand have prompted interest in a local option.

During the Q&A portion of the meeting, most concerns centered around environmental and property impacts. While a few attendees expressed full support for the project, many—including myself, raised concerns about potential effects on air quality. The manufacturer responded by stating that their equipment does not produce off-gassing, as emissions are reburned, and claimed they had not encountered issues with property devaluation in other communities. Both the manufacturer and legal representatives emphasized that the crematorium would comply fully with environmental standards set by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). They also noted that a future community meeting would be hosted by MDE once the proposal is formally submitted and local zoning is approved.

While it was helpful to learn that the project must pass through multiple regulatory layers before approval, several attendees voiced frustrations. Notably:

·         The absence of an environmental health expert at the meeting limited the depth of discussion on air quality concerns.

·         There is a need for broader outreach, as not all community members were aware of or able to attend the meeting.

·         Questions were raised about accountability and what recourse the community would have if health issues arise after the crematorium becomes operational.

Most residents, including myself, hold great respect for the Borgwardt family and value their longstanding role in Beltsville. However, this proposal raises significant concerns that warrant continued scrutiny. I encourage everyone to stay informed, share updates with neighbors, and attend upcoming meetings to ensure community voices remain at the center of the conversation.