TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa City Council is asking Mayor Jane Castor's administration to further investigate any remains that may have been found under the site of the $3 billion Water Street development project.

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The decision came after a community activist, Connie Burton, complained to the council on Thursday.

Burton said the area around the development was once an African American community knows as "The Garrison."

"As a child, my grandmother used to talk about 'The Garrison,' and that's where she was born and raised," said Burton.

In November, archaeologists working on the site discovered grave shafts, but not much more information has been released.

Burton said she's been wondering if anything that might have been discovered might be tied to that African American heritage.

"I don't want it to be lost in the shuffle as people continue to build and pour concrete," she said.

By a unanimous vote, the city council agreed to have staff look into it.

"We need to look into that and make sure that the sanctity of that is for people and loved ones," said council member Orlando Gudes.

City staff are being asked to report back to the council at its July 18 meeting.

"If any human remains are found, I'm hoping the community would receive them and that we give them a proper burial," said Burton.