February 28, 2008
Locals oppose private prison for women in Fresno
Opponents of the proposal fell generally into three categories. Many of the neighbors in the vicinity of the project did not want the facility located at the Hacienda because they were concerned about the impact the project would have on the area. […] People making this argument, which was heard several times at the hearing, said that the Addams Neighborhood has enough problems - "we don't need a prison to add to an already difficult situation."
Another group of opponents argued that opening a privately run prison in the middle of Fresno was not a good way to resolve the over crowding problems at the State Correctional Facilities in California. They presented a petition, signed by thousands of women inmates, saying that they do not want a facility like the one being proposed to be approved.
The third argument against accepting the proposal was more of a procedural argument. Several people, including an appearance by Fresno County Board of Supervisor member Phil Larson, complained that insufficient notice was given to neighbors to discuss this important issue. Most of the people making this argument wanted to have more time before a decision was made…
LINK - IndyBay.org
