By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The remains of people buried in the 1800s were unearthed outside a Buffalo school this week. The discovery was as part of preparations for future reconstruction work at City Honors school.
Buffalo school officials say given the history of land at East North and Best Streets, they hired specialists to pre-examine the site before beginning next year's multi-million dollar renovation at City Honors.
In 1832, the land was a Potters Field. It was a burial ground for the poor used by the city and Buffalo General Hospital. In the late 1800s it closed and was turned into a park. The remains were moved to Forest Lawn. In 1897, a school was constructed at the site.
The district's chief financial officer, Gary Crosby, says the remains of three adults and a baby were found on the Best Street side of the school building.
An expert from Ciminelli Construction and an archeologist are assisting.
For now, the remains discovered this week will not be removed until the school district learns of proper procedure for removal.
Crosby says he does not believe the discovery will delay phase three of the Joint Schools Construction project at City Honors. It is scheduled to begin July 2008.