Jail Location and the Westside

Dear Editor,
My interest in the new jail has been humanitarian in nature and I have not been directly involved with the planning. A few weeks ago I was asked to become involved by the leader of the Westside Community group opposing proposed location. I am aware that the Westside does not have the same voice and influence as other sectors of our city. And, a high percentage of people in that area are poor or working poor. I decided to informally look into the matter of rezoning the property which was coming back to the City Council for reconsideration.

While sympathetic to the general ongoing concerns for people on the Westside, I came to very different thoughts and conclusions about the proposed location. I was not able to attend the meeting of the City Council, but I sent a letter with my observations which supported the rezoning. I offer them in this letter in the hope that we will accept the rezoning decision without residual negativity and move forward.

The Jail Committee did the needed work of considering possible locations and were unanimous in the proposing the site.
According to one of our judges, being in proximity of the courthouse is very important.
The site is already zoned industrial and could have a variety of other “unsuitable” businesses next to the residential area.
Realtors are not likely to say anything publicly, but the addition of the jail at that site will help stabilize if not increase the property values.
A walking tour of the site reveals that the site is currently “unsightly” (and has been for a long time) and the adjacent blocks have many vacant lots along with many substandard properties.
Fear and safety issues have been raised, but without merit. There have been no break outs in the current facilities and will be less likely in the new jail.
While there are legitimate concerns about the Westside of Bartlesville, the new jail would be on the far eastern side and should not have a significant impact on the Westside as a whole – nor the houses on the north side of Adams.
The proposed jail site has become a political pawn for people who have other negative agendas or a general distrust or distain for the City Council.
As I understand it, rezoning will actually give the city more control over what happens in that area.

Now is the time to move forward to make the most of the situation for the county, city and the Westside. Now is the time to become partners not only in completing the plans for building and funding the new jail, but to be more responsive to people who struggle with needs for shelter, food, clothing and dignity day after day in our city. Now is the time to not only approve the funding of the jail, but also to work together in a spirit of unity in Bartlesville and Washington County.

Fr. Lee Stephens
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church