In the end, bringing in revenue trumped preserving history.
The Jonesboro City Council cleared the way this week for a funeral home to be built on about 11 acres on Ga. 54 just off Tara Boulevard after a contentious fight to preserve what is believed to be the last piece of unspoiled Civil War battleground in the county.
The decision wasn't unanimous. Three council members voted for annexing the plot and two against while four of the council members voted for the rezoning, one against. Council member Randy Segner abstained because of his real estate management ties.
“I bow to the expertise of the council,” said Mayor Joy Day, who did not vote. “Obviously, they think it is a viable project and we will move forward."
Property owner Weisbaden Investments plans to build an 8,000-square-foot funeral home on the site. No cremations will occur there. Representatives for Weisbaden told city officials and residents at Monday's meeting Jonesboro is a sensible place for a new funeral home because of its aging population.
Despite its victory, Weisbaden declined to comment afterwards.
The head of one local historical group said she was "disappointed" by the council's decision. Opponents had hoped to see more study and excavation done on the property to determine if it is an authentic Civil War site. The Battle of Jonesborough (as the town was then known) was waged in the area on Aug 31-Sept 1, 1864, and the rezoned property sits near Barbara Emert's home.
“We were a bit disappointed that we were not given the opportunity to clearly define if there was or was not any historic value,"said Emert, president of Historical Jonesboro/Clayton County Inc. "But I do believe that the company and people involved will be good citizens. We’re very hopeful they will be good community stewards and work with us as the project progresses."
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