Post by Jamey on Jul 17, 2009 6:03:14 GMT -5
Work-Release Center Won't Move To East Side
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Department of Correction has abandoned a controversial plan to replace an east side Indianapolis prison with a work-release facility.
Last week, city and neighborhood leaders came out against a plan to move the Indianapolis Men's Community Re-entry Center to the grounds of the current Indiana Women's Prison when those inmates are relocated as part of a system-wide shuffling.
Correction officials said the initiative would help the department gain 2,000 more beds, but neighborhood residents said the facility would be a hindrance to area redevelopment.
Commissioner Edwin G. Buss said Thursday that the amended plan will still include moving the Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility (PREF) to the east side prison, but that the Indianapolis Men's Community Re-entry Center will remain in its current location until another option is chosen.
"The IDOC has heard from many public officials, community organizations and concerned citizens, and we listened to their concerns and ideas," Buss said in a statement. "We recognize their strong commitment to the revitalization of Indianapolis’ near east side, and, therefore, we have reconsidered our decision to move the men’s work release center to the Indianapolis east side."
Once PREF moves to Indianapolis it will become the Indianapolis Re-entry Educational Facility (IREF), a minimum security adult men's facility that will be fenced in a neighborhood-friendly way, Buss said.
The city has invested more than $10 million in the area surrounding the former prison in the past four years, constructing new sidewalks and sewers, as well as housing and commercial development. It also plans to invest $2 million to buy, repair and renovate abandoned homes along the corridor.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Department of Correction has abandoned a controversial plan to replace an east side Indianapolis prison with a work-release facility.
Last week, city and neighborhood leaders came out against a plan to move the Indianapolis Men's Community Re-entry Center to the grounds of the current Indiana Women's Prison when those inmates are relocated as part of a system-wide shuffling.
Correction officials said the initiative would help the department gain 2,000 more beds, but neighborhood residents said the facility would be a hindrance to area redevelopment.
Commissioner Edwin G. Buss said Thursday that the amended plan will still include moving the Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility (PREF) to the east side prison, but that the Indianapolis Men's Community Re-entry Center will remain in its current location until another option is chosen.
"The IDOC has heard from many public officials, community organizations and concerned citizens, and we listened to their concerns and ideas," Buss said in a statement. "We recognize their strong commitment to the revitalization of Indianapolis’ near east side, and, therefore, we have reconsidered our decision to move the men’s work release center to the Indianapolis east side."
Once PREF moves to Indianapolis it will become the Indianapolis Re-entry Educational Facility (IREF), a minimum security adult men's facility that will be fenced in a neighborhood-friendly way, Buss said.
The city has invested more than $10 million in the area surrounding the former prison in the past four years, constructing new sidewalks and sewers, as well as housing and commercial development. It also plans to invest $2 million to buy, repair and renovate abandoned homes along the corridor.