'High Likelihood' Of Human Remains At Greer Stadium: Report

NASHVILLE, TN -- Archaeologists hired by Metro to determine if there are burials near Ft. Negley and Greer Stadium - planned site of a high-profile development championed by the mayor - have found there is a high likelihood of human remains near the former home of the Nashville Sounds.

Huntsville, Ala.-based Tennessee Valley Archaeological Research issued its initial report, saying that ground-penetrating radar determined the area between the stadium and the fort's interpretive center - currently an asphalt parking lot - is the most likely location for burials.

Historic preservationists have argued that because Ft. Negley was built by slave and "impressed black labor," there is the possibility of hundreds or thousands of graves at the site. The initial report from TVAR seems to bear that out. The group brought in digging equipment this week and plans to complete its final report by year's end.

Preservationists and others want to protect the area from development, while the mayor's office is pushing for a mixed-use project called Cloud Hill, which would include a mix of retail, office and residential properties, along with some green space.