Milwaukee Common Council to vote on 79th and Clinton juvenile detention center next week

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Milwaukee's Zoning, Neighborhood and Development Committee voted to approve the rezoning at 79th and Clinton in Milwaukee's Granville neighborhood. 

The Department of Corrections proposed changing the vacant property at 7930 W. Clinton from "industrial light" to "detailed planned development" in order to build a juvenile detention center. 

It's part of the state's plan to close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools in Irma, Wisconsin and build smaller juvenile facilities around the state.

The new facility would have a maximum of 32 beds and provide a shuttle service for visiting families.

Many residents showed up to the meeting Tuesday to voice concerns about the location of the new facility. Some residents are concerned about property values and businesses choosing to leave the area. Others wanted the committee to wait to vote until the Granville neighborhood has an alderperson to represent it. 

"You can't speak for me if you don't reside in the 53223 and 53224 ZIP code," said Carolyn Allen a resident of the area. "You need to delay this vote. Or not take the vote until we are represented by an alderperson whom we have elected to speak our voice." 

Senator Lena Taylor appeared virtually to support the approval of the juvenile facility on 79th and Clinton.

"There is no question that placing prisons is a challenge, we have several in our state, in particular like 30-plus, and of the ones we have in our state there are none that don't have day cares, schools, residential homes near them," said Taylor. "So, the concept of public safety, I need you to know, we have not had those issues at the juvenile facility that we presently have. I know of nothing in my tenure." 

Those in support of the facility noted the importance of bringing incarcerated youth closer to their families, many of which are from the Milwaukee area. 

"What the state is proposing at this point is a treatment center to be able to get these kids and their families the support and services they need so they don't end up in the adult system," said Wendy Volz Daniels, chair of the Chaney Advocacy Board.

The city's zoning committee unanimously approved the proposal Tuesday.

"The state has provided an alternative model for things that are better for the kids and the community into which they will eventually emerge," said Alderman Scott Spiker of district 13.

Milwaukee's Common Council will vote on the decision on Tuesday, Jan. 17.