ALBION — Taking a significant step toward securing the community’s long-term future needs, the Village Board has moved to acquire a substantial parcel of land for cemetery expansion. During a special workshop meeting held Friday, June 29, at Village Hall, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Angel Javier to sign a purchase agreement. The target is approximately 30 acres of land located on tax map number 342089-074-000-0001-047-11, currently owned by Patricia A. Nelson. The vote was 3-0, with Mayor Javier and Trustees Joyce Riley and Greg Bennett voting in favor. Trustees Timothy McMurray and William Gabalski were absent from the afternoon session. While the meeting minutes do not specify a purchase price, the authorization allows the Mayor to finalize the deal with "all terms and conditions on contract." The move follows a history of routine cemetery maintenance by the board, which frequently approves deeds for individual plots. This acquisition, however, represents a major expansion of the village’s capacity for burials. The need for additional cemetery space is a critical issue for the long-term planning of the village, which serves as the seat of Orleans County. Securing land now ensures that the village can manage burial needs for residents well into the future without the pressure of finding undeveloped land within the village limits at a later date. The board met briefly in open session before moving into executive session— a closed-door meeting permitted by law to discuss real estate transaction details— at 3:47 p.m. The board remained behind closed doors for approximately 10 minutes before reconvening at 3:58 p.m. Immediately following the executive session, the board adjourned at 3:59 p.m. with no further public business discussed. The next steps involve the final signing of the agreement by the Mayor. Assuming the sale closes successfully, the village will assume ownership of the 30-acre parcel, adding to its municipal inventory.