Minimum Security Prison Proposed for Prescott Valley (Phoenix, Flagstaff: housing, rental)

[BiggsHomes]

My view is that the prison will not hurt property values or life in the area. There is a prison in downtown Prescott which hasn't stopped people from moving there. Granted, this prison will be MUCH larger. However, seeing as it is a minimum security prison, the felons will not be muderers and rapists. Perhaps we'll get Martha Stwert Maybe she'll like Prescott Valley so much that she'll want to stay and create a homemaking TV show.

The proposed site is pretty much undeveloped right now. I think a lot of the surrounding area is being envisioned as Commerical/Industrial, not residential.

[MotleyCrew]

I would be more concerned over a maximum security prison having a negative impact on property values. The one in Crescent City CA houses some of the worst of the worst and the relatives tend to come to settle close by.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by BiggsHomes

My view is that the prison will not hurt property values or life in the area. There is a prison in downtown Prescott which hasn't stopped people from moving there. Granted, this prison will be MUCH larger. However, seeing as it is a minimum security prison, the felons will not be muderers and rapists. Perhaps we'll get Martha Stwert Maybe she'll like Prescott Valley so much that she'll want to stay and create a homemaking TV show.

The proposed site is pretty much undeveloped right now. I think a lot of the surrounding area is being envisioned as Commerical/Industrial, not residential.

I believe what you're referring to is the County jail. That's a little different than what's to be the largest minimum security prison in the state. I doubt if we'll be getting Martha Stewart types, but that would be nice. You do realize that minimum security prisons also are the transitional facilities for prisoners that have been in maximum security prisons for major crimes but are nearing the end of their sentence or have received "good behavior" status. Too, so many people in minimum security have committed crimes due to drug related issues. Sorry, Biggs, but I don't think we'll have 2,000 white collar criminals housed in the facility.

I worry about what happens when the sentence is finished. Won't many stay in the community, competing for jobs? Also, what about the halfway houses, parole officers, social service costs, etc. that would be paid for by the taxpayers?

What would be the plus for PV if this goes in? People aren't going to move here for $15/hr jobs. That won't buy housing in PV. These will mostly be 2nd income jobs. IMHO, we need more tech and professional caliber jobs in the area.

[nitram]

Gretchen, ALL of your points and concerns are very valid. You have a good right to be worried.
Is the local newspaper/media supporting this plan? What are the editorial viewpoints like about this subject? Will you be speaking to, or able to speak to the City Council, at the meeting(s) explaining all these concerns that will effect the lifestyle of the residents there. Are the residents not able to vote publicly about this matter, or is it completely up to the City Council at this point in time? What seems to be the general feeling in the community?

[Gretchen B]

Nitram - so far I've not heard too much negative feedback. I think BiggsHomes comments are probably pretty typical. I've heard the Martha Stewart comment several times. People see 400-500 jobs and think, Wow! Jobs! But really, I think it needs to be considered what kinds of jobs are being created. Will these jobs and the accompanying costs associated with infrastructure, etc, really benefit the community in the long run?

At this point, it is completely up to the Town Council. My understanding is that they will vote on Oct. 25th. I guess that will be the only chance for public input. Of course, I suppose they could choose to table it and allow time for public comment.

There have been a few editorials begging that it not be approved. I think the water issue was one that was mentioned a couple of times. But, generally speaking, I would say most folks are ambivilant about the project.

[and the]

You've got to have a screw loose if you even think for one second that a prison is good for a community. Watch the PBS documentary "Prison Town USA".
P.O.V. - Prison Town, USA | PBS

If they do build a prison, I would take advantage of it and start a transportation company. I'd advertise in Phoenix for door to door service. Buy a bunch of vans and shuttle "loved ones" from Phoenix to PV to visit their friends and relatives in prison. They'll be hanging out at the mall, local restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores. Probably taking your lower paying jobs from the locals so they can afford to live closer to their incarcerated family members. Then the kids of the inmates will be going to school with your kids. Most convicts are convicts in part because they had a crappy upbringing and they generally raise their kids the same way, or worse.

Yeah, invite a "minimum security" prison into your town. That's just brilliant thinking.

And there is no prison in downtown Prescott. It's a JAIL. The difference being that the only people serving time there are there for misdemeanors. The rest are awaiting trial or bond. Big difference. You don't generally have convicted felons serving time in a county jail. That's what prisons are for.

[nitram]

All the above comments are very valid. One thing to point out is that there usually is a high turnover of guards and civilian prison personnel. That's not good. And yes many convicts getting ready to get out are bad case scenarios that are acclimating down the system waiting to get out. Also stats show that there is a 66% recidivism rate among jailbirtds.
And some do escape. Just north of Phoenix is a minimum security Federal prison and they have had some criminals escape.
And the prison proposed as you state is actually a miniature city. So yes your water concerns should be addressed. That 100 year water supply requirement has always been a joke. No one can predict water supplys that far in advance. Who knows what the growth will be like 100 years from now or how many droughts or disasters there will be. You can't fool mother nature.
There's an area in Desert Hills, just North of Phoenix that is having water supply problems now and that area is only around 30 years old. Cave Creek has had some water supply problems too. Anthem has a contract with the Indians for a water allocation from them. If they go on a warpath and cut them off then what.
I empahize with you and hope for the best for PV.

[sierraAZ]

never mind...

[LBear]

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

Of course on the pro side - 400 to 500 jobs

On the con side - huge impact to water and sewer infrastructure

I do have a comment on the "con side". The water and sewer issues are somewhat moot. The reason being is that there is a 120 unit hotel coming to Prescott Valley. There is also another 110+ unit hotel coming to PV off of Glassford Hill Road. A Comfort Inn & Suites. Also, the 200+ unit hotel being built by Scott Lee next to the new 98 room Marriott Fairfield Inn.

So, a total of 528 hotel rooms. Now, if water & sewer were an issue, they would not allow these hotels to be built. Not to mention, the thousands of homes that will be built over the next decade. They will all have water & sewer. Water is ONLY an issue in the year 3007. This area has a GUARANTEED water supply for the next 100 years. People make the water an issue because they oppose the growth. So, unless you plan on living until 3007, I would not even worry about it. By then, who knows what will be of the USA or the world??

As far as jobs, this area needs A LOT of jobs. At least the prison job would pay better than the $6.75 a hour Gateway Mall or Wal-Mart. Plus, they offer benefits, unlike 80% of the jobs here. If PV or Prescott wants to survive as a town, it needs to grow, prison and all.

I say BUILD IT! I support it 100%.

Remember, it's NOT the criminals inside you have to be worried about. It is the CRIMINALS OUTSIDE, not locked-up, the ones driving around and walking around the downtown area looking for their next victim or crime.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Pettrix

I do have a comment on the "con side". The water and sewer issues are somewhat moot. The reason being is that there is a 120 unit hotel coming to Prescott Valley. There is also another 110+ unit hotel coming to PV off of Glassford Hill Road. A Comfort Inn & Suites. Also, the 200+ unit hotel being built by Scott Lee next to the new 98 room Marriott Fairfield Inn.

So, a total of 528 hotel rooms. Now, if water & sewer were an issue, they would not allow these hotels to be built. Not to mention, the thousands of homes that will be built over the next decade. They will all have water & sewer. Water is ONLY an issue in the year 3007. This area has a GUARANTEED water supply for the next 100 years. People make the water an issue because they oppose the growth. So, unless you plan on living until 3007, I would not even worry about it. By then, who knows what will be of the USA or the world??

Pettrix - I've missed you. Where 've ya been lately?

Actually, I was referring to the possible cost to the taxpayers to provide the infrastructure (possibly a new treatment plant). The paper said it was "going to be negotiated", but you know who is pushing for this to be built . . . your favorite PV family. They're the ones who'll be pocketing the $$$$.

Now, water . . . that's a whole other issue. But for now, let's just relegate the discussion to costs to the taxpayer rather than availability.