Planning commission tables jail zoning issue

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Planning Commission talked about changes that would be needed to allow a jail to be built in the city limits, but decided no action was needed yet.

McCook zoning ordinances state that the agricultural zone is the only zone where a jail facility can exist. The current Public Safety Center is exempt from the ordinance, as a pre-existing use, but the topic has arisen as a result of the proposed Municipal Facility, which voters will decide on with the Nov. 2 ballot.

At an Oct. 11 meeting, McCook Planning Commission Chairman, Kurt Vosburg, said the two county commissioners present at the meeting made it clear the county was still uncertain what their future jail facility plans would be.

"There has been discussion of the county building a jail next to the [Red Willow County] courthouse," said Vosburg, who added that the county commissioners indicated they may, or may not, proceed in that direction.

According to Vosburg, the planning commission decided it was best to wait until the county had a proposal, before adding zones to accommodate a new jail facility.

"In order to place a new jail facility within city limits, regardless of whether it's the city or county, an ordinance change will be necessary," said City Manager Kurt Fritsch.

According to Fritsch, concerns were raised, by planning commission board members at the meeting, that Norris Avenue may not be the best location for a new jail facility. Concerned board members cited its proximity to the George Norris Home, Frank Lloyd Wright's Sutton House and the efforts of the Vision McCook group, before ultimately deciding that no action would be taken.

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