February 19, 1999
Web posted at: 6:06 p.m. EST (2306 GMT)

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- The Miami-Dade County Commission is taking steps to ensure some historic Native American ruins near downtown Miami remain where they are.

The ruins, believed to be a Tequesta Indian temple built some 500-years ago, are on property slated for development of luxury high-rise condominiums.

The Commission voted Thursday to ask a judge to allow the city to take control of the private property, thus preventing the development.

The 2.2 acre property, at the mouth of the Miami River in the downtown area, has been studied since the 50 foot round stone circle was unearthed two months ago. It is believed to be 500 to 700 years old, and archaeologists think it could be a ceremonial temple built by the Tequesta Indians.

The Tequesta, a tribe of about 10,000, lived in south Florida before they were wiped out by disease and war in the 1500s.

The county stepped in after international outcry to preserve the site. There have been demonstrations at the location by Native American groups and concerned citizens.

"I simply cannot stand by and allow an important piece of this community's history to be destroyed forever", said Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

The county is invoking the Eminent Domain section of the charter, which allows the county to step in and acquire the property while compensating the owner. The filing was made in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court and also brings with it a temporary restraining order against any continued constructon on the site.

The property owner paid $8 million for the property, and it is believed that compensation could reach $50 million. If a compensatory deal cannot be worked out, then it could be decided in court by a jury.

The ruins are actually within the City of Miami, but the county's eminent domain invocation takes precedence. The City of Miami had endorsed moving the ancient circle, giving the go ahead to development of the condos. Miami Mayor Joe Carollo has said that the city was reluctant to part with over $1 million in taxes the cash strapped city would be entitled to each year from the project.

It is unclear what, if any action will be taken by the City.