Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request for Funding Submitted by Sanchez Charities, LLC (Project #20-11) in the Amount of Fifty Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) to Locate a Monument at the Mexican Cemetery Located in Pecan Grove Cemetery at 1701 McDonald Street, McKinney, Texas.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2020
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Sanchez Charities are seeking funding to design, create and locate a monument at the entrance to the Mexican Cemetery within Pecan Grove Cemetery.
• If funded, the grant money will be used to design, create and place a memorial, at The Mexican Cemetery, in honor of the Hispanic families that were part of the history of McKinney and the agrarian economy and life important to the establishment of the city.
• It is anticipated that a community committee of descendants of those buried at The Mexican Cemetery and other interested stakeholders will meet with a selected artist to develop the art piece and the cultural context for the piece itself.
• The goal is for the monument to be a focal point and place of history and culture for those who drive by or visit - and will highlight to all visitors the individuals buried at The Mexican Cemetery who came to McKinney in search of a better life.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Pecan Grove Cemetery was founded in 1870.
• At the early times of its creation - up until the 1960’s - Pecan Grove was separated into different sections that included: a Potter’s Cemetery; Ross Cemetery; and an area adjacent to the Potter’s Cemetery known as The Mexican Cemetery - a one-acre plot of land.
• Death certificates and other documents show nearly every one of the individuals buried at the Mexican Cemetery either migrated to the area from Mexico, or South Texas - or were children of those individuals.
• Sanchez Charities is committed to community development and community enhancement efforts. This project would serve as cultural enrichment for McKinney and would enhance quality of life in McKinney through the investment in public spaces and open space improvements.
• The Mexican Cemetery will become a Heritage Tourism destination in McKinney - joining Heard Craig, Collin County History Museum and Chestnut Square Heritage Village.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Total estimated cost for the design, creation and placement of the monument for The Mexican Cemetery is $50,000.
• The proposed project is eligible for consideration by the board under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.