In October 2018, Trileaf Corporation (Trileaf) performed a cultural resource survey for a proposed monopine telecommunications tower facility to be located at 632 Kennesaw Avenue NW, Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia (33° 57’ 55.13” N, 84° 33’ 33.61” W). The proposed project area is presently a partially overgrown section of a house lot. The surrounding area is mostly residential.
Kelly Communication Towers, LLC, Trileaf’s client, proposes the construction of a 190-foot (58-meter) overall height monopine telecommunications tower. The new tower and associated equipment will be housed in a proposed 50-foot by 50-foot (15-meter by 15-meter) lease area. A proposed approximately 30-foot (9-meter) by approximately 250-foot (76-meter) combined access/utility easement following an existing gravel drive will connect the lease area with Kennesaw Avenue NW to the southwest. The direct area of potential effect (APE), comprising the lease area and associated easements, will occupy approximately 0.22 acres (0.09 hectares).
Under the direction of Trileaf, Project Archaeologist Andrew Wright, M.A., RPA conducted this survey in response to the planned use of the above-described parcel and the potential impacts that such use might represent to archaeological and architectural cultural resources. The Phase I cultural resource survey was designed to discover any cultural resources that might be present within the project area.
A search of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) inventory identified archaeological sites two archaeological sites within a ½-mile of the proposed tower, 9CO491 and 9CO714. 9CO491 is a multicomponent site comprised of a surface scatter of glass and historic ceramics along with lithic debitage and undescribed tools. 9CO714 is a 20th century scatter described as disturbed by its recorders. Although both sites lack formal determinations of eligibility, it is unlikely either is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The field survey of the project area, which included systematic shovel testing, pedestrian survey, and visual inspection, found no evidence for the presence of archaeological resources within the direct area of potential effect.
Church Street-Cherokee Street Historic District (NRHP reference # 85003059) and Northwest Marietta Historic District (NRHP reference # 75000586) were identified within the proposed tower’s ½-mile visual area of potential effect (APE). The parent tract of the proposed lease is located within Northwest Marietta Historic District. These contiguous districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places due in part to their architectural significance. Consisting largely of residences, they display a variety of mid-19th to mid-20th century architectural styles, late Victorian and Greek revival chief among them.
Several previously surveyed historic resources lacking official determinations of eligibility were identified within the project’s visual APE beyond the boundaries of either listed district. Per Georgia Historic Preservation Department (GAHPD) policy, these were evaluated as part of this investigation.
After extensive survey, it is Trileaf’s opinion that the construction of the proposed tower will not impact the characteristics that make Church Street-Cherokee Street Historic District or Northwest Marietta Historic District eligible for inclusion on the National Register. The proposed lease area is in a naturally low-lying stream valley the depth of which has been exaggerated by fill and grading prior to the construction of a former apartment complex, now professional offices, immediately to the southeast. Trees surround the property to the north, east, and west obstructing line-of-sight; the planned use of a monopine tower further reduces any potential for visual intrusion. Tree-lined streets and rolling topography are ubiquitous throughout the visual APE, obstructing line-of-sight towards the tower. Please refer to Appendix 1 for photographs towards the proposed tower from throughout the project area. Links to the survey data in their entirety are included in this report.
Based on the results of this investigation, Trileaf recommends a finding of No Adverse Effect on Historic Properties within the direct or visual APE. It is recommended that project clearance be granted with no further investigation or evaluation of the project area.
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