Former Paper Site Nixed For Proposed Jail
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe search is back on for a proposed new county jail site in Vigo County. The Board of Commissioners says it can not move forward with the previously-targeted former International Paper site because of "the political reality of the situation." A memo issued by President Judith Anderson, Secretary Brad Anderson and Board Member Jon Marvel calls the property the best site for a new security complex, but adds "a majority of the city council does not share that same belief."
The commissioners say they will continue to work to identify another suitable site as a long-term solution to "perpetual" overcrowding in its current system. The group says the county spends million of dollars shipping some of its inmate population to other communities and those costs will continue to rise and be unpredictable.
In response to concerns about using the property as a jail location, commissioners said other Hoosier communities have managed to avoid perceived "stunted growth" in surrounding areas — citing other facilities that are located near high schools, boys and girls clubs, state parks and even Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The commissioners concluded by saying the remain committed to moving forward to find the right location.
You can connect to a copy of the statement obtained by our partner at WTHI-TV in Terre Haute by clicking here.