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Archaeology at WODA site uncovers likely 19th‑century remains; city seeks treatment plan
Summary
Contract archaeologists working for developer WODA found human remains while testing a project site; the city says about 100 anomalies were identified and WODA’s attorney is expected to file in probate court to permit removal. The city has requested WODA’s human‑remains treatment plan but has not yet received it.
City Manager Michael Johnson told the Steubenville City Council that archaeologists working for WODA discovered human remains at a development test site this week and identified roughly 100 anomalies flagged for further investigation. "When they started to dig on Monday, they identified 100 anomalies for potential sites where remains may be, and I think their plan was initially to do a sample of the spots, but obviously, if not the first one, one of the first ones that they sampled discovered human remains," Johnson said.
Law Director Costa Mastros said the developer’s attorney plans to file a petition in probate court to request removal of the remains and will notify interested parties, including the diocese. "He has been keeping me informed," Mastros said, adding he expects a filing this week or early next week. Johnson said the city has requested a copy of WODA’s human‑remains treatment plan from the developer and, if not provided, will seek it from the State of Ohio, which WODA would have filed with.
Council discussed the coroner’s involvement. Johnson said conversations with the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office indicated the remains are likely about 150 years old and that the coroner initially did not intend to respond because remains older than 50 years are typically handled differently. Mastros reiterated that removal requires probate‑court action and that WODA’s attorney will proceed with those steps.
The council did not take formal action on the item at the meeting. Johnson said the city would share updates after it receives the treatment plan or the probate filing. Members of the Genealogical Society of Jefferson County spoke during public comment and asked that lawyers and WODA allow the society to document burials, tombstones or fragments if excavation proceeds.
