City Council set to take action on new jail site location next week

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

County Attorney Michael Wright addressed the Terre Haute City Council tonight about plans to build a new jail on a controversial site-- by the Wabash River.

Wright explained that those plans call for a 492-bed security complex on about 25 acres of the former International Paper property located on Prairieton Road, just across from the Aquatic Center. The Area Planning Commission approved the proposal last night, and the rezoning request came before the city council tonight to allow for the jail construction.

Councilman Todd Nation told Indiana Central News he could understand the issue drawing a standing room only audience at City Hall for the meeting. 

"It applies to us all. We all have to pay for it," he said.

Several community members spoke out against the riverfront property and demanded other locations be considered. They alleged that the Vigo County Commissioners failed to look at other possible sites.

Commissioner Judy Anderson became defensive. She replied that the commissioners "have looked at everything."

"We have gone over and over the maps, looking at everything --  and, it's not there, OK?" she said.

Councilman Karrum Nasser pointed out during an argument regarding the proposed former IP location -- about two and half hours into the meeting --  that there would be no action taken on the site proposal tonight by the council.

Meanwhile, Fred Nation of Riverscapes, encourages the council to consider recreational possibilities rather than using the land for the needed jail.

The vote will take place at next week's city council meeting.

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