Council members express frustration with proposed jail location

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Some southeast side residents say they’re angry after Friday’s announcement by the Allen County Commissioners of a possible new jail location on the city’s southeast side.

This frustration comes as a federal judge reviews a second plan from county leaders to address overcrowding and inhumane conditions inside the jail.

“There are options that the commissioners and sheriff need to take in order to cure the problem,” Councilwoman Sharon Tucker said. “It however does not state that the 6th district is the only way to correct that problem.”

The proposal would put the new jail on county owned land near the intersection of Paulding and Adams Center roads.

“We do not need a new jail,” Resident James Goddard said. “We need to take care of the one we have. 80% of the inmates in there should not be in there. They need help, not handcuffs.”

Councilwoman Sharon Tucker led a news conference Tuesday afternoon. She says she’s one of the people who believe we need a brand new jail, but she says the southeast side is a bad location. Tucker also says that the commissioners’ chosen location doesn’t help improve the stereotype of the southeast side. Tucker recognizes that part of the city has faced challenges with crime, but says officials continue to work to make improvements. She says it’s too close to a school.

“There are schools in our district who go on a lock down because of things that happen in our community,” Tucker said. “Our babies shouldn’t have to experience what it’s like to be in a classroom and have to worry about being locked down.”

Councilwoman Michelle Chambers agrees and told the crowd and asked the crowd a question.

“Would anyone in this audience like to see their children being bussed by a prison every morning, every afternoon?” said Councilwoman Michelle Chambers. “It is not appropriate. As I said on Facebook, ‘Not on our watch,’ say it again, ‘Not on our watch.’”

Friday, Allen county commissioners said they can’t build a new jail downtown or build additional stories onto current one, but they are looking at that 200-acre property owned by the county.

It currently houses a firing range for the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. It’s also the sight of a horse trail.

“We don’t want to stigmatize any part of the city any more than they have to feel they’re being stigmatized, but when you look at the reality of the current jail, look at the expansion of downtown Fort Wayne,” Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters said.

Peters also says he wants to remind people, the current location is not a final choice.

“The judge was very clear when we last saw him about wanting a plan by last week,” Peters said. “You can’t create a plan without having a place.”

If everything is approved, county commissioners say construction could begin on the new site in 20-24 and could be completed by 20-27.

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