Proposed re-entry center backlash from south Phoenix community

PHOENIX – A south Phoenix community and its leaders say “No” to a proposed re-entry center for paroled Department of Corrections inmates.

The center – which helps parolees with job skills, drug counseling and more – would be at the Durango Jail Complex, perhaps at the former Tent City. Governor Doug Ducey’s office has sent a letter of intent to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to see if it’s a workable idea.

Neighborhood residents, however, do not want such a center, no matter how much it would help reduce recidivism. During a press conference Monday, they said they were never notified of such an idea, nor was their input solicited.

“This area already has an Arizona state prison, four county jails, a homeless shelter and a substantial transient population,” said Hal Owens. He owns a business at 35th and Durango. “Enough is enough.”

“It’s bad enough that you go outside and you see all the trash that’s gathered up and it’s from the homeless people out there,” said Corina Mejia. “There’s enough drugs in the area already.”

Tim Roemer is the governor’s public-safety policy advisor. He said nothing has been designed and no land has been taken over.

“All we’ve done is work with the county supervisors to have a letter of intent,” he said. “That simply means we can have a conversation about whether or not this is going to work.”

Roemer said Monday public safety is the governor’s highest priority, and it’s likely sex offenders would not be part of such a program.

The Board signed the letter of intent late last month.

Currently there is a re-entry center housed in north Phoenix. It’s on Adobe Mountain Juvenile Corrections property, near I-17 and Pinnacle Peak Road. It houses people who committed technical parole violations, and provides drug treatment programs.

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