A group of residents and archaeologists are pressing the city of Decatur to conduct a proper archaeological survey of a greenspace owned by the City Schools of Decatur at 346 W. Trinity Place in downtown Decatur. The Beacon Hill GrassRoots Coalition says the property could contain historically significant artifacts or features that would be lost if development proceeds without study.
The push comes amid ongoing conversations about how Decatur uses its limited public land. The school district owns several properties that have been the subject of development proposals, and community groups want to make sure history isn't bulldozed in the process.
Archaeologists involved in the effort say the area's proximity to known historical sites makes a survey worthwhile before any decisions are made about the property's future. The coalition has asked city officials to fund and authorize the work.
