After receiving a $20 million grant, the County of Monterey was set to convert the old county jail into a mental health facility; however, current Sheriff Tina Nieto has made new plans, and the location is changing.The new location is sparking some controversy. The crisis center is set to be located on a vacant lot near the Creekbridge neighborhood. On Tuesday, a split board approved the new location. This change of plans is forecasted to cost an extra $26 million. The county still needs to come up with the money. When Nieto became sheriff she was unaware of the plan. Once she learned of the plans she said they were logistically unfeasible. That portion of the jail currently provides critical services, including religious and educational programs and laundry services for the entire inmate population of about 900.“I do believe that the pros outweigh the cons, and yes, there’s are some new challenges that we will have to come up with some additional funding to complete the construction," said Kathy Eckert with the county of Monterey Behavioral Health. Alejo was the only board member who voted to oppose the move. He cited concerns about timelines and a lack of community input.“I can already foresee, based on my experience dealing with controversial projects, where this is going to go," Alejo said.Some neighbors, however, remain skeptical."I’m sure they’ll be a lot of folks with some reserves about the idea, but you know I think the more information that we get the more of a better understanding and opinion will have I think," said Salinas resident Miguel Durantes. Other neighbors say they don’t mind it. "As long as they have the same security system as they have going on now for the community, especially with the kids in the sports complex there, we should be OK," said another Salinas resident, Karla Ladina. The facility is not intended for inmates but for people facing a severe mental crisis.County officials want to reassure the public that the facility will be secured with proper safeguards, such as 12-foot fencing. Mental health leaders say right now urgent crisis centers are overflowing with patients so building this new center is vital. County leaders say now that the new location is approved they will be moving forward with public dialogue and plan to hold several community town halls. See more coverage of top Central Coast stories here | Download our app.
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. —
After receiving a $20 million grant, the County of Monterey was set to convert the old county jail into a mental health facility; however, current Sheriff Tina Nieto has made new plans, and the location is changing.
The new location is sparking some controversy. The crisis center is set to be located on a vacant lot near the Creekbridge neighborhood.
Advertisem*nt
On Tuesday, a split board approved the new location.
This change of plans is forecasted to cost an extra $26 million. The county still needs to come up with the money.
When Nieto became sheriff she was unaware of the plan. Once she learned of the plans she said they were logistically unfeasible.
That portion of the jail currently provides critical services, including religious and educational programs and laundry services for the entire inmate population of about 900.
“I do believe that the pros outweigh the cons, and yes, there’s are some new challenges that we will have to come up with some additional funding to complete the construction," said Kathy Eckert with the county of Monterey Behavioral Health.
Alejo was the only board member who voted to oppose the move. He cited concerns about timelines and a lack of community input.
“I can already foresee, based on my experience dealing with controversial projects, where this is going to go," Alejo said.
Some neighbors, however, remain skeptical.
"I’m sure they’ll be a lot of folks with some reserves about the idea, but you know I think the more information that we get the more of a better understanding and opinion will have I think," said Salinas resident Miguel Durantes.
Other neighbors say they don’t mind it.
"As long as they have the same security system as they have going on now for the community, especially with the kids in the sports complex there, we should be OK," said another Salinas resident, Karla Ladina.
The facility is not intended for inmates but for people facing a severe mental crisis.
County officials want to reassure the public that the facility will be secured with proper safeguards, such as 12-foot fencing.
Mental health leaders say right now urgent crisis centers are overflowing with patients so building this new center is vital.
County leaders say now that the new location is approved they will be moving forward with public dialogue and plan to hold several community town halls.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories here | Download our app.
