Some neighboring residents are criticizing a new proposal to build a pre-K at a Revolutionary War site in Gowanus.

The property on Ninth Street in is the site of a skirmish in the Revolutionary War, according to the Brooklyn Preservation Council.

Bob Furman, a member of the council, says about 256 patriot soldiers from Maryland were buried at the site after the Battle of Brooklyn.

Furman says he has tried to buy the land, which is up for sale by the current owner, Derby Textiles, and begin an archaeological excavation project. But he says the company has not responded to his requests.

The city's Department of Education is seeking to build pre-K at the site, but officials say that if the city does acquire the land, it will investigate the council's historical claim.

Officials also say that placing a school at a historic site would offer children added learning experiences.