Letter: Don't Expand the Jail in Downtown Napa

about the ’s plans for building a massive, were disappointed that public turnout for the June 7th meeting this summer was smaller than in January.

The County’s choice of holding the meeting at the beginning of the summer may have affected the public turnout. However, despite the lower attendance, public comments were still as strongly weighted as they had been at January’s public meeting.

The County’s recently-published summary and evaluation of the June meeting - that the comments were more balanced between those for and against - is not the way I remember it.

As I recall, only two people spoke in favor of rebuilding the jail downtown, though several County employees were there, presumably supporting the jail remaining in its current location.

It is disappointing that the County chose to place the on a summer while many residents are away on vacation and unable to attend the meeting.

I believe that as Napa residents learn more about the issue many will want to see a full exploration of all the variables involved in planning the jail, including weighing the appropriate site for its future location.

Also, there is a natural question that has arisen in thinking about the planning for a new jail: what will be done about 's criminal patients and future secure housing for them? That is one of many questions that have come to mind in examining the proposal for a new jail.

There are more questions than answers. A lot has changed since 2008 when the study plan was approved by the Supervisors. It may take additional time, but it would be prudent to reexamine the decision for the long-term good of all.

Napa the city is a big part of Napa the county. We are one. As citizens of Napa City, we hope the County will not blunder into saddling the with an enormous jail in the heart of a now-vital .

Elizabeth McKinne, Napa

Editor's note: "Location options" for the jail are on the . Public comment will be accepted prior to the discussion.