Not long ago I wrote about the new youth prison that was going to be built in Milwaukee. This prison was going to replace the one up north that was several hours away. Many of the juveniles in this facility were from the Milwaukee area so it was a long drive for family members to visit. In addition, there were some legal and excessive force issues with the current location. The state is currently holding several listening sessions that people can come and express their opinions on the new possible location. That location is on Milwaukee’s north side around 76th and Clinton Avenue. This session was held at the Milwaukee Police Academy, 6680 N. Teutonia Avenue.
Kevin A. Carr, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections, supervised the series of meetings with various tables set up throughout the room. There were photos of what the actual location would look like in and outside. Many people turned out to express their opinions for and against the location. It appeared some of the same people came to the meetings as the secretary called some by name. Mr. Carr stated, “Is it wrong to lock up juveniles and have them four hours away?” He continues,” we like to have a balanced approach and we realize some kids need to be locked up.” Lincoln Hills was built for four hundred kids. There are currently sixty-five boys and nine girls up there. Some people in the crowd stated we currently have no council member representing us and no guarantee for our safety in the neighborhood. Some kids might escape, and their criminal friends will visit them.
Mr. Carr advised you are still represented by other council members, county supervisors, and the mayor till they have another election. In addition, he reported it is hard to get in and out of these prison type locations. The kids get better treatments at theses close locations plus their relatives can be in the treatment locations with them. This makes it easier once they get out and they can adjust better once leaving the location. The police patrol these areas a lot so the area will be matter of fact a lot safer than before. Mr. Carr reported we looked at various locations throughout the city before deciding on this location. He continued this location is not set in stone and still could be changed.
I interviewed a Margaret Thorn who lives in the area and against this location. She and her mother, a retired schoolteacher, both think this will make the area unsafe and drive down property values. We already have enough crime and other problems in the neighborhood. There are businesses for and against this location.
There will be additional meetings so come out and express your opinion on this issue if you live in the area.