Commissioners debate fate of earthworks

Preservation of Confederate earthworks on private property was a central topic by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 19.

The commissioners agreed unanimously to Commissioner Lisa Cupid’s motion that Pulte Home Company “make an effort” to preserve 50 percent of the Confederate earthworks on their 6 acres at the northern end of Trumbul Oaks Court, the east side of Providence Club Drive, the southeast side of Providence Gate Lane and south of Veterans Memorial Highway.

“However, its maintenance and plaque will be determined by the HOA,” Cupid added.

As a public official, Cupid said she cannot make any requirement for Pulte to preserve the Confederate earthworks since they are on private property with their preservation to be decided by the development’s residents through their HOA.

However, applicant attorney Scott Balli said Pulte will preserve 100 percent of the earthworks on their property as they build 46 townhomes priced at $290,000 up to the $300,000s.

Previously, Pulte had planned to build 134 stacked flat condominium units on this portion; but now Pulte officials say the townhome units are selling better, Balli said.

Calling himself “a true historian and a Civil War buff,” Commission Chairman Mike Boyce said, “I just find it amazing that you’ve gone from preserving 50 percent to 100 percent. You’re taking into account the historical legacy.”

Mandy Elliott of Cobb Community Development told the commissioners there are two trench lines by the Confederates and two gun sites by the Federals that were built during 1864 on this site.

“There is no further archaeological evidence evident before the Civil War,” Elliott said. “The Chattahoochee River Line earthworks were built around the same time across the street and down the road on county-owned property.”