With bipartisan support, the council approved execution of leases with the Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority for creation of a new jail, courthouse, and Assessment & Intervention Center on the grounds of the former Citizens Energy coke site in the Twin Aire neighborhood. The center will focus on intervention, giving people access to mental health and social services so they won’t have to resort to crime.
The passing of Proposal 367 also authorizes the Building Authority to sell bonds to finance the multi-million dollar project.
The Council has supported prior efforts to construct a new jail in Marion County, but those plans were shelved. Council President Vop Osili says this time is different because it’s not about a new building, it’s about a new way of doing things.
