MILT THOMAS
In a 5-0 vote, the Vero Beach City Council today adopted language for a City Charter amendment that, if approved by voters, would protect Crestlawn Cemetery and many other local public landmarks by including them in the City Charter.
The Charter change along with the list of properties to be included in that designation will be presented to voters in the form of a referendum on the November 4 city ballot.
“I am here this morning to urge each of you to give the citizens of Vero Beach the opportunity to place our Crestlawn Cemetery in the protective custody of the City Charter,” said life-long resident Alma Lee Loy.
The effort to protect these properties began last year when a minority on the City Council considered putting some or all these municipal lands up for sale or lease to the private sector to help offset the loss of income from selling Vero Electric to Florida Power & Light. Many city residents were upset that a simple three-vote majority could have resulted in the lease or sale of Crestlawn, considered sacred ground to many long time residents. If the referendum passes, any future attempt to sell these properties must first win the approval of voters.
Indian River Guardian 
Thank you Ken and Amelia. I am sure many are looking down and applauding from the heavens.
Thank you to the Council for letting us vote on this Charter revision in Nov. We believe it is the proper way of helping to preserve pieces of Vero that have special meaning to us.