Miami is debating now whether to preserve the remains of a major prehistoric Native American village or build a new community above it. This village was said to one of the earliest examples of urban planning and one of the largest ever uncovered in America.
Developers plan to build a 34-story hotel, condos, restaurants, and a movie theater on this archaeological site, Reuters reports.
The discovery of Native American sites lead to a debate whether archaeologists and historic preservationists should push through to preserve these ancient societies or if developers should destroy them to create a new community.
Bob Carr, an archaeologist, estimated that about 2,000 people lived in the Tequesta Village starting around 500 B.C. which could have extended up to the Biscayne Bay.
Eugene Stearns, attorney representing MDM Development Group, reasoned to the Associated Press: "Let's be honest with each other, every great city is built on the shards of a former great city." He owns the property and is all for construction.
The Tequestas, one of South Florida's earliest tribes, built thatched hut-like buildings by using clam shells to dig into soft limestone then inserting pine logs to hold the walls, floors and roofs. Due to the use of straw and wood in building their village, postholes were the only remnants of the buildings.
MDM proposed to carve out a section of the limestone which contained the circles to be displayed in a public plaza but preservationists disagree due to the difficulty of removing a piece of architecture like that.
Archeological review has been conducted by the MDM which has caused them $3 million. With half of the residential units sold and all of the commercial space has been leased, MDM is very anxious to continue construction. "There are enormous financial obligations and commitments that have to be met," said Stearns to AP. "And they need to go forward".
Nationwide, other Native American sites are being discovered which is causing other cities, like Miami, to debate the best way to preserve an ancient site while still allowing development.
The state wants its art and culture to become an international attraction just as much as its nightlife and beaches.
