TRAVERSE CITY — The Grand Traverse County Commission voted yes to a resolution to begin the process to construct a new jail. While they voted yes, the discussion of a new jail is just getting started.
“I think the community recognizes that we have an issue and it needs to be addressed,” Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said. “I’m thankful we finally have a board of commissioners that recognizes that and is willing to take action on it.”
The new jail resolution was proposed at the April 2 Grand Traverse County Commissioner meeting. The resolution shared an assessment from 2023 of what needs to be renovated in the current jail and it would cost more than $13,000,000. But what the renovation won’t include is a new layout or changing any ability to host mental wellness programs for inmates. Commissioners want to begin by talking about programs before discussing a new jail. However, Commission Vice Chair TJ Andrews says this won’t change the need for a new facility.
“As to the point about starting with programs and an assessment of whether there are ways we can programmatically change our approach to corrections, that might allow us to keep the existing building and renovate it in some way. I think we could have the best practices, the most progressive, the most supportive mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, and every other type of program that exists that has ever been tried, that has ever been done. and we still need a new jail.”
Commissioner Fern Spence says she supported the resolution because it will start conversations to take the next steps.
“Even if it has been remodeled over the years, it’s not safe for our corrections officers. There are definitely improvements to be made for those who are incarcerated. The resolution that I read in our packet is, it’s brief, and I think that that’s good because it allows us to consider needs and alternatives.”
The resolution also included a steering committee that would further study the issue before a decision is made. The committee will be adding new community members and officials as different conversations arise. Sheriff Michael Shea says he is happy with the outcome, knowing there’s a long road ahead.
“I was very pleased. This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go, but it shows me that we have a board of commissioners that recognizes we have an issue. We have a community that recognizes that and collectively, we’re going to do something about it.”