Plot of Land Near Pepperdine in Malibu Becoming Cemetery

Malibu, CA — A plot of land overlooking Surfrider Beach, across from Pepperdine University will soon be a cemetery.

The 28-acre plot of land has been empty and unused for many years. The land was sold to developer Richard Weintraub 18 years ago with the promise that it would be develop into something that would benefit the community, such as a hotel, the New York Post reported.

Weintraub told the Post he wanted a hotel at the site too, but objections from residents concerned about traffic and state regulations have derailed that plan.

Weintraub's idea for a cemetery began two years ago when he was visiting a family member's grave. He then proposed to the Malibu City Council a plan for a cemetery that doesn't look like one.

“It’s more like a sculpture garden with wild grasses and a beautiful chapel overlooking Surfrider Beach. No tombstones, no creepy feeling,” is how Weintraub said he described it.

The plan has so far been green-lighted by various committees and is expected to have final approval by the end of the year.

If approved, the cemetery priciest in the world, according to the Post.

For more on this story, visit the New York Post.