Cabarrus Cheap Seats

This is a letter to the Editor from Steve Medlin of Concord.

November 14, 2005

Dear Editor:
As a native and a downtown property owner who has worked here over 28 years, I know how my downtown Concord neighbors feel about the new county jail project. I felt the same way when I first heard about it. Then, I checked out the drawings in the county governmental center and came to realize that the new jail will be of genuine benefit.

The building will not tower above downtown because the foundation begins low in a ravine behind the Red Pig. I recall that deep crevasse from the years I lived on Virginia St. The jail may be the only productive use possible for that unique land. The present jail is clearly visible from three streets. The new one will be far back from streets, behind handsome buildings and ringed by trees in the rear.

We are going to be safer with this new jail than with the old one. It is not a state prison. There won’t be any razor wire, huge floodlights or guard towers. There will be a gated street entrance plus an interior gated area for unloading prisoners. Even our current jail (where there has never been a jail break) is no threat. In its shadow, we host concerts, horse carriage rides, children’s book readings and puppet shows.

Finally, a newly prospering classic Concord, still recovering from retailers’ mass departure in the 1970’s, needs to keep all county employees downtown. The new jail will provide an economic benefit to downtown. County government’s eventual departure, due to inability to grow, will hurt badly.

I urge concerned citizens to look at the detailed drawings in the county governmental center. I know how you feel neighbor, I felt the same way. When I got the facts straight, I liked the project.

Sincerely,

Steve L. Medlin