A private developer wants to build a 14-acre private detention center for non-violent, municipal misdemeanor offenders in undeveloped land on the western edge of Independence.
Turkey Ridge Development LLC has applied to the Independence Planning Commission for a rezoning/special use permit for a proposed Metropolitan Detention Center east of Blue Ridge Boulevard, south of Truman Road and north of 23rd Street.
The detention center will be a minimum-security private detention facility for municipal ordinance offenders, said Independence attorney John Carnes, the lawyer representing Turkey Ridge.
Carnes said Turkey Ridge is interested in constructing a regional facility that would house offenders who commit such ordinance violations as driving under the influence, shoplifting, assault and vandalism. Carnes said the facility could be a positive for an area of town that he said hasn’t had a project the scope of the detention center in “over 40 years.” Preliminary construction cost of the facility is estimated at $7 million, Carnes said.
“I would challenge any critic of this to find another $7 million project west of Sterling in the last 40 years,” Carnes said. “This project will create up to 65 full-time jobs. Find me another business in the private sector west of Crysler that can offer that many jobs.”
The Independence Planning Commission is scheduled to review Turkey Ridge’s application Jan. 13. During a pre-application meeting between Carnes, who is a former City Council member, and members of the city’s community development department, Carnes said he got the impression city staff may be hesitant with the rezoning request.
Community Development Director Jennifer Clark said in an e-mail that Turkey Ridge’s application is under review and that “a staff report will include comments/recommendations to the planning commission at the appropriate time.”
“I don’t think the facility is a detriment,” Carnes said when asked of the possibility of declining property values and public safety. “I believe it’s an asset.”
Carnes cited in a response to several questions from the city that the stretch of Blue Ridge near the proposed facility is dark, lacks illumination at night and is regularly used for illegal dumping. He said a police satellite office would be maintained at the facility to be utilized by surrounding law enforcement agencies 24 hours a day.
“The area will be a linchpin of safety for that part of town,” Carnes said.
