“Sacred ground” were the words used Thursday evening to describe the site where 100 died and another 200 were injured on Feb. 20, 2003 in The Station nightclub fire.

Yet as it is now, the site is abhorred by some because of its collection of makeshift memorials and memorabilia, besmirching the memories of those who lost their lives.

“Everything should be self-sustained,” a man said to the more than 50 people gathered at the Warwick Public Library. His voice wavered, as he fought to hold back tears.

“As far as it looks,” he continued, “I sit in my car and close my eyes. I don’t even look.”

There are many who want to change that. They are landscape architects, contractors, building unions and landscapers. They have volunteered their services to build an enduring memorial.

But what would be fitting?

“I think the dream is finally going to come true,” Chris Fontaine, president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation said in opening remarks.

It is that “dream” that landscape architects Robert Weygand and Will Gates of Gates Leighton Associates hope to define.

Weygand, former Congressman and vice president of the University of Rhode Island, said it would be wrong for him to present the group with drawings. Those would be his ideas and what he is striving for is a memorial that reflects the thoughts of those directly affected by the tragedy.

“There are so many different emotions, feelings, passions about this site,” he said. “We want to listen to you, sit down with family members, friends of the survivors and see what they believe. The most important part is to hear from you.”

Weygand also asked that people think of what the site will be like in five, 15 and 30 years…”what you need and want for forever.”

Paul Bertolo was the first to speak and to call the site “sacred ground.”

He suggested the collections of memorials be preserved with walls and some kind of glass structure.

That’s not what Bonnie Hoisington, whose daughter Abbie died in the fire, wants to see.

She envisions something peaceful and serene.

“It’s become a dump. It’s so disrespectful to those who lost their lives. It’s despicable the way it is,” she said.

Her words resonated.

Rick Moreau, who lost his daughter Leigh, sees a place that is respectful, “a class place that we can be proud of. I want it to be the best it can be, a place that respects the memory of people who have lost their lives there.”

Some decisions have already been reached. David Kane, a board member of the memorial foundation, whose son died in the fire, said that the footprint of the building will not be touched and that whatever is built will provide spaces for each of the 100 victims. Already, Kane said, a proposal calling for grassy park, a small stream with a bridge and a treed backdrop has been scrapped because it would be hard to maintain. Rather, he said, the group is looking for a memorial built of stone and cement that will require minimum upkeep yet maintain its dignity.

Weygand raised other considerations including the need to survey the site for buried utilities and wetlands, its proximity to residences, utilities and insurance.

“Do we have the money set aside?” he asked. And he asked whether there would be the cooperation with a public entity – the town of West Warwick – to make sure that it is cared for in the years ahead.

It was suggested that the site incorporate a musical element since it was a love of music that brought people to The Station. Several suggested the memorial incorporate images of the deceased. Also, there was the suggestion that the memorial serve as a reminder that misdirected actions can lead to disastrous consequences; that it tell the story of the tragedy and that it also name survivors and honor first responders.

“Everybody in Rhode Island was affected by The Station fire,” said Gregory Mancini, executive director and general counsel of BuildRI. The organization represents 17 trade unions that Mancini said stand ready to help.

“We’re going to volunteer our time and do whatever we can to make it a success,” he said.

There were more offers to help. Kenneth Quaranto of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscapers Association observed that the association has in storage the granite book with the names of the 100 victims that was used in the memorial garden the association built for the 2005 Rhode Island Flower Show. And Warwick Neck resident and sculptor Larry Elig offered his services. He brought a suggested model showing three people releasing doves.

Weygand cautioned it could be several weeks, if not months, before he and Gates return with drawings. Assistance is going to be provided by URI landscape architect students. Surveys of the property are needed and that can’t start until it is transferred to the memorial foundation. Kane said that is not expected until a settlement of a $176 million civil suit is reached.