Residents seek historic designation for Beacon Hill green space at 346 West Trinity Place; city staff outline process

A coalition of residents and community groups asked the Decatur City Commission on Jan. 20 to fast-track a local historic designation for 346 West Trinity Place — the green space that residents say occupies the site of the former Allen Wilson Terrace public housing complex — and urged the city to impose a moratorium on development while the application is considered.

Doris Johnson, representing the Beacon Hill Grassroots Coalition, described the site as “sacred ground” to descendants of families who lived in Allen Wilson Terrace and asked the commission to "join us in preserving this land for current and future generations." She said the coalition submitted a complete application on Jan. 15 and requested expedited review.

Several residents, historians and legal advocates spoke in support during an extended public-comment period, describing the site’s cultural significance and urging local protection. Paul Glennon, speaking on behalf of an absent land-use attorney, said the city code provides a moratorium on permits once an application is filed and acknowledged receipt should trigger protections: "A pause on building permits protects the due process rights of the applicants and protects historic resources until a public hearing can be had as required by city law," he said.

City staff explained the next steps under the municipal code. Staff said they are currently reviewing the submission to confirm completeness; once accepted the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will formally receive the application, set a schedule for public hearings and, per the ordinance, may establish a moratorium on permits for the property. Staff noted the HPC’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 24 but said a special-call meeting likely will be arranged to begin the timeline sooner.

Why it matters: Advocates said the designation would preserve the last remaining downtown green space tied to Beacon Hill’s legacy, provide a visible public acknowledgment of displacement and be a tangible step tied to the city’s stated reparations commitments. Supporters also urged national-register consideration as a traditional cultural property.

What's next: Staff will verify application completeness and, if complete, the HPC will accept the application, set hearings and (if appropriate under ordinance timing) establish the moratorium. The process includes statutory notification periods and a required 30-day state review once a recommendation is made.