The wheels of big government may grind slowly, but sometimes, they grind their way to great things for the public.

The City of Natchez received excellent news this week when Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 787 into law, transferring ownership of more than 80 acres of land back to the city.

Affectionately known as the bean field, the land had been purchased many years ago by the National Park Service as a possible terminus for the then yet to be completed Natchez Trace Parkway.

When the Trace was ultimately tied to Liberty Road, the bean field land became surplus property.

Much of the land has been reserved for use as a possible recreation complex adjacent to Natchez High School. We’ve long supported plans to bring a new, comprehensive recreation facility to that spot.

A large tract of the property — across the highway from the bean field — and adjacent to the Natchez Walmart will be sold for commercial development.

As the city looks for a buyer, we hope they vet the use of this important and busy corridor well and find the highest and best use for the site.

Such a site is rare — as is the sudden ability to put such a large tract back onto the tax rolls after being in federal hands for so long.

The potential tax revenue at play may cause some politicians to quickly want to “flip” the land for an easy profit.

We hope city leaders take time to consider the usage and make smart use of the potential windfall.