Message-ID: <002a01c86f70$6b15a4e0$ca01a8c0@uwec7nyqnsifeg> From: "Mary Weil" <mw2085@charter.net> Subject: Fw: county jail expansion Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:16:40 -0600
Though we are a peace and justice organization, It is important that we
be aware of the following:
Please make calls and send letters to city and county council members to
stop the jail expansion on to Eau Claire's riverfront. A friend went to
a meeting last Monday night about the looming jail expansion project,
and what we can do to stop it. Eau Claire city councilmembers and
County board members are planning on putting a huge jail on one of the
nicest riverfront areas in the city, rather than promoting the area as a
destination. It also may directly affect the future of Just Local Foods.
A group has formed, Citizens for Accountability in Jail Expansion
(http://eccaje.blogspot.com/), and we ask you to look at the website,
become informed about this project that the county has put on the fast
track, come to a meeting if you can (Monday, Feb. 18, 7pm, at 1st
Congregational Church on the corner of 3rd and Broadway), and spread the
word. And, please call all county board members and city council to let
them know how you feel!
This is happening fast, and the County could potentially tell Just Local
Foods to vacate in March.
Thanks for your attention.
Below is the response from Brandon Buchanan. Let's work together to
defeat this zoning change!
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From: Brandon Buchanan [buchanan.brandon@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:05 PM
To: Weil, Michael R.
Subject: RE: county jail expansion
Thank you for your letter. We spent over a year working on a
Comprehensive Plan for our city, and now we want to throw all that work
away just to add more riverfront jail space?!? Unfortunately, not all
my colleges on council share your concern. The only chance we have to
stop this is to get enough property owners around the affected area to
sign an official protest petition. That will force the council into a
super majority for any zoning change.
We might be able to swing four council votes to oppose the jail;
however, there is no way we will swing six. I urge you to keep up your
work on this in applying enough public pressure on council to swing a
fourth vote and stop the zoning change that would allow the jail
expansion.
- - - - - - - - - -
Councilman Buchanan
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From: weilmr@uwec.edu
To: david.adler@charter.net; aehedavis@charter.net;
rhughes5785@charter.net; kerryjsk@charter.net;
buchanan.brandon@hotmail.com; thomas.vue@dwd.state.wi.us;
dave.citycouncil@charter.net; deklink@charter.net;
kemp_eccouncil@hotmail.com; bvonhaden@charter.net; bsmsbh@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:34:48 -0600
Subject: county jail expansion
Dear City Council Members,
I am terribly distressed by the possibility of the jail expansion on
the Riverfront. Not only will this destroy the historic neighborhood
that is adjacent to the current jail, but also will be an eyesore on the
riverfront itself. My understanding was that the city has a new and
wonderful commitment to building the downtown area and the riverfront in
a positive and desirable way. This would, in my opinion make this area
attractive to visitors to our city as well as to our residents.
Expanding the jail in this location would have just the opposite
effect. It is time to think progressively and continue to change this
area for the better.
While undertaking any projects in this historic and beautiful area we
should always keep in mind the legacy we wish to leave to our children.
Is an expanded jail truly what we want for that legacy?
Michael R. Weil
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