Oklahoma County Commissioners taking closer look at current jail site in search of new jail location
OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - As the search for a new Oklahoma County Jail continues, KFOR has learned the commissioners now want to take a closer look at a familiar spot, the current jail site in downtown Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma County Commissioners met on Monday morning and while the list of possible jail sites was not on the agenda, commissioners say they are not done looking for a new location.
Right now, there are two locations on the list. The current jail site in downtown Oklahoma City and the property at East Grand and SE 15th Street. That’s the location the Mid-Del community has been opposing for months, but commissioners say it’s their best option right now.
“I cannot believe we aren't looking for a site instead of trying to wheel and deal to get it there, find the correct site,” said Gina Standridge with the Mid-Del School Board.
It was another packed meeting despite no vote on the jail location on Monday morning. This time, students from Destiny Christian School attended the meeting to express their concerns about building a new jail just blocks away at SE 15th and East Grand.
“I brought my government class here today to watch government, local government in action because we've been talking about how to get involved with your government,” said Pat Watkins, Destiny Christian School teacher.
“My father is in that jail and if he got moved over closer to me, that could be a danger to me,” said Jayden Mann, Destiny Christian School student.
Despite several efforts to remove the site as a contender, most commissioners are not ready to make a final decision yet.
“My colleagues didn't put 1901 on the agenda because I assume they're not ready to take a vote on it. I've been pretty public that my vote will be no and I've told members of the public and my colleagues that my vote will be no,” said Carrie Blumert, Oklahoma County Commissioner.
At most meetings, many suggest building at the current site.
“It's my belief that the large majority of citizens want the jail remain in its current location,” said Floyd Brown, public comment.
However, commissioners say they haven't been considering it, until now.
“I have asked our architect and our engineers office to give us a lot more details... I'm still open to it. It's not my first choice because logistically it's going to be very difficult to make it work with the cost of construction and buying up land around the existing jail. But for me, it's not out of the question... In addition to downtown, my staff and I have been diligently looking over the Oklahoma County map to try to find additional sites. And I know the other commissioners are doing that as well,” said Blumert.
County Commissioner Carrie Blumert also says they have been actively searching for other properties that are available from owners who are willing to sell.
So, it is possible to see more sites added to the list at future meetings.
“It may look like we aren't putting forward any new sites, but a lot of the work we're doing is in between meetings, behind the scenes and hopefully we'll be ready to put more sites on the agenda soon or put downtown back on the agenda,” said Blumert.
The next meeting will be held a week and a half from now, next Wednesday. However, only one commissioner will be there because the other two will be at a national conference, so they do not expect a big vote until everyone is back.