JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Belhaven residents packed a city planning meeting in downtown Jackson Wednesday. They turned out in force to fight a proposed halfway house for federal inmates located in Belhaven Heights subdivision. Area residents called it a threat.
A City of Faith Ministry representative said it would be a safe facility and cited this former FBI storage site as a good location for light security prisoners. The Louisiana organization hoped to operate a 40-bed inmate halfway house. Opponents, including the Metro Chamber Partnership, said the facility posed a threat and the variance to allow it within area parks, homes and a proposed walk/bike trail should not be allowed.
"The Greater Belhaven area is fantastic as far as rallying behind any cause and any perceived threat to the neighborhood. We did perceive this to be something that is inconsistent with the zoning of the city," said Steve Funderburg, Chairman of the Belhaven Foundation.
Before the vote, the planning staff recommended denial to transform this vacant building at 789 Harris Street in Belhaven Heights into a correctional facility.
The City of Faith Ministry says it will go back to the drawing board and contemplate different locations in the capital city.
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