Editorial: A town's cross to bear

Published on July 04, 2008

Had he not been killed in a tragic car accident in 2002, Leverett's Sean Snow would be 23 years old today.

His life was cut short at the young age of 17 and, as part of their grieving process, his family has erected a small cross at the site in Leverett where he died.

The cross is small and simple enough in design. On it is a picture of Sean Snow, as well as some words from his family: "In loving memory" and "I'm missing you."

Having the cross remain, however, on North Leverett Road has proved to be anything but simple.

Two neighbors who live near the cross - but who cannot see the symbol from their front doors - have issued a complaint with the town, asking that it be removed. They say that the cross reminds them too much of the fateful night and also brings honking from passing cars.

One positive step in the disagreement over the crosses, which have become a flashpoint for similar disputes nationwide, is that the two opposing parties have entered mediation with John Hallock of Quabbin Mediation. The mediation - paid for generously by a grant secured by the Leverett Police Department - should keep the debate civil.

There have been two sessions so far, however, with little progress made, according to Mark Snow, father of the deceased.

We hope the mediation process, when complete, turns out to be a good one, but we also share the sentiment of many people in the area who are somewhat puzzled by the vehement reaction against the roadside cross, a diminutive wooden icon that's 11 feet from the road and partially obscured by overgrown weeds.

In the end, it's vital to give the Snows time to grieve.

A neon sign the cross is not. Neither is it a billboard or an eternally burning flame.

Neighbor Phyllis Glazier can, unlike the complainants, see the cross from a window in her home.

Glazier put the situation aptly: "Why this has gotten (my neighbors) up a wall I can't understand. It shouldn't be traumatic to anyone except the family."

What appears to be needed on North Leverett Road is a little more compassion from neighbors for a family that lost a child too soon.