At a meeting Monday afternoon, commissioners Craig Bryant and Chairman Travis Turner voted to construct the facility on property on Hulsey Road next to the current facility. Commissioner Joe Campbell did not cast a vote on the matter.
The decision was made in a packed Grand Jury room of the courthouse, filled with concerned citizens from Truelove Road, a site the commissioners were considering. Robelle Reed, a spokeswoman for Truelove citizens group was almost speechless after the decision was announced. She said, "we've dodge(d) a bullet, I think."
The commissioners approved building the facility a little further downhill from the original proposed site, on property where the county road department is located. They said they will begin work setting up the move for the road department so it can be out of the way when the property is needed to complete the jail construction.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner said several factors went into their decision, the concerns of the residents of Truelove Road were only part of it. Turner said they want to move quickly on the project saying, "we hope to begin moving dirt within 30 days."
Commissioner Campbell said after the meeting he felt the Truelove Road site was the best location, but the Hulsey Road site will work fine, he just has some concerns about the cost of putting it there.
County Manager Carol Jackson said she has already been lining up utility representatives to meet on this project, and now that the decision has been made they will meet soon.
The commissioners were urged to include discussion with Atlanta Gas Light, as that company will be extending natural gas service to the Helen Highway near the jail location.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/8/231860