County-owned land not used in plan

Johnson County owns the houses opposite the current jail - 504, 510, 514 and 520 Capitol St., 7 Harrison St., and 4 Prentiss St. Why aren't those lots being used for a proposed new jail and courthouse expansion? They're off the tax rolls and offer plenty of space to build on and it's better than trying to paste a huge ugly new building onto the back of our historic courthouse.

An elevated walkway could connect the jail to a new courthouse expansion facility across the street to provide space for more courtrooms and jail alternative programs. A smaller-sized, modern, high-security jail annex could be built there as well. The repaired/rehabilitated old jail could handle fewer dangerous inmates and serve as the sheriff's office. Money spent on repairs and renovations for the current jail would not be wasted.

What more modestly priced alternative plan using those properties could architects offer?

Vote no.

Caroline Dieterle

Iowa City