March 26, 2008
Fresno Okays Correctional Facility
Fresno City Council members approved a controversial halfway house and privately run correctional facility along 'motel drive' Tuesday night, despite a crowd of people who showed up to protest the move. The former hotel will eventually house up to 300 women.
Fresno City Councilmember Mike Dages and Henry T. Perea were the only two council members who voted against the project. "I just can't see myself supporting this today," Dages said, as he explained approving the project would give a green light for others throughout the city.
Neighborhood residents and former prostitute turned community activist Carissa Phelps also attended the meeting. "We've just seen the City of Fresno really cement us in some bad precedence that sets up to be a dumping ground for prisoners all over the state," Phelps said as she left the council chambers…
LINK - ABCLocal.go.com (ABC Local News, Fresno)
