Tuesday, January 26, 1999
Butler already owns favored site for jail
Hamilton land recommended
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — A 14-acre parcel of county-owned land near the Butler County Engineer's Office has emerged as the favored site for a new county jail.
The Butler County Jail Work Group unanimously agreed Monday to recommend the site for the jail, assuming it passes environmental assessment. The land, used to store outdoor equipment, is within Hamilton city limits.
The county's ownership of it made it an attractive alternative, county Commissioner Mike Fox said.
“This site enables us to avoid anywhere from $3 million to $5 million in cost,” Mr. Fox said.
A consultant has been hired to do the environmental assessment on the site.
The site, in the 1900 block of Fairgrove Avenue (Ohio 4) and next to the Butler County Fairgrounds, has easy access to downtown Hamilton and can be reached from Ohio 4.
“It makes sense for a number of reasons,” County Administrator Derek Conklin said.
Although rezoning might be required for the jail, that is not expected to be a problem.
“We believe we can be supportive of this particular site,” said Steve Sorrell, acting Hamilton city manager.
The site also makes sense because there are few residences nearby.
The county wants to construct a jail with 400 cells and is expected to apply for state help in building it. County revenues would also be used to build and operate it, Mr. Fox said.
The current county jail is crowded, and law enforcement officials for years have clamored for a new facility.
The Jail Work Group, made up of representatives of several community groups, was formed in August.
The other three sites considered:
• The 15.2-acre former Deuscher Foundry property on Hanover Street near Seventh Street. The estimated cost would be $2.6 million.
• The 15.1-acre former Hamilton Tool property owned by Stevens International on Hanover Street. The estimated price is $2 million.
• The 20.2-acre CSX Railroad tract between Pleasant Avenue and the tracks.
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