Neighbors voice concerns over proposal to build juvenile rehabilitation center on Milwaukee's north side

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A proposed alternative to a youth prison could be built on Milwaukee's north side but some neighbors are not happy.

Boys between the ages of 14 and 17 would be placed in the center by a judge only if the judge decides they do not require a secure lockup. Serious juvenile offenders will still be sentenced to juvenile prisons. 

This site is currently owned by a church near 32nd and Hampton.

"The vagueness of the entire conversation is something that bothers me because we see it going on all the time in society and cultures all across the board," said Leevan Roundtree of Milwaukee.

"There will be measures in place to ensure security and we'll have good relationships with law enforcement, working together to address any kind of issues that may come up," said Mark Mertens, Administrator of Milwaukee County Delinquency & Court Services. 

People at Wednesday night's meeting also feel they are making the process secretive and rushing it instead of listening to the concerns of the neighbors.