For now, attorney David Baum, who represents cemetery operator and co-owner Moshe Goldsman, is looking to open Grand View again on May 25, but not without more volunteers.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable going forward unless we had a sufficient number of volunteers to make sure parking rules are adhered to and other fire-safety-related rules that were put in place by the fire marshal,” Baum said.
The March 30 opening was staffed entirely by about 10 volunteers, including Baum, a group of Hoover High School students and attorneys representing the families in lawsuits against the cemetery, attorneys said.
Attorneys from both sides agreed that the event was handled smoothly, which has some wondering why the park can’t reopen sooner.
That four-hour opening was intended to be a trial run that, if successful, would clear the way for a regular visitation schedule, said attorney Mary Der-Parseghian, who represents families suing the cemetery.
“We set out to show that it can be done and done well, and I believe it went quite well, so what are we waiting for?” Der-Parseghian asked.
Der-Parseghian, who spearheaded the effort to round up volunteers to hand out literature and direct traffic at the last opening, said more volunteers are unnecessary.
Attorney Paul Ayers, who represents a separate group of families suing the cemetery, said while he too hoped the park would open earlier, he didn’t plan to force the issue.
“At this point I haven’t taken steps necessary to force anything,” Ayers said. “I really don’t want to do so at this point. It’s up to [Baum].”
