Re: Archaeological Background Investigation for Road Reconstruction of West Third Street from South Wynnedale Drive to South landmark Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana

Abstract

In October 2004, at the request of Beam, Longset and Neff (BLN; letter dated August 5, 2004), LLC, the Glenn A. Black Lab Office of Cultural Resource Management (GBL-OCRM) conducted an archaeological records investigation for proposed road reconstruction of West Third Street. This report also includes recommendations concerning future Phase Ia archaeological investigations for the West Third Street expansion project. The reconstruction proposed by the City of Bloomington will include the addition of travel lanes, storm sewers, and sidewalks from South Wynnedale Drive to South Landmark Avenue. The records check was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the 1996 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. GBL-OCRM files were referenced to identify previously recorded archaeological resources located within a two mile radius of the proposed Area of Potential Effect (APE). The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) database and the City of Bloomington Interim Report of Report of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS) were reviewed to identify listed sites, properties, or historic districts that may be present within the proposed APE. A drive through reconnaissance of the project corridor was also conducted. GBL-OCRM site file review did not indicate the presence of previously recorded archaeological resources within the APE, nor within a two mile radius of the project area. The NRHP database as well as the IRHSS report did not indicate the presence of listed sites or properties within the APE. Upon drive through inspection, a considerable amount of subsurface ground disturbance was observed within a large portion of the APE. Records review and the level of subsurface disturbance typically associated with heavily developed areas suggests minimal potential for the presence of archaeological resources within the APE. In regards to future phase Ia investigation of the project corridor, it is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that a limited survey will be necessary to fully assess the level of subsurface disturbance and the presence or absence of archaeological resources within the APE. It is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that the potential for intact archaeological resources within the APE is low, however the corridor should be evaluated by a professional archaeologist following the identification of all underground utilities in order to fully assess the archaeological potential and subsurface integrity of the areas in question.