COSTA MESA : Satellite Jail Plan Killed After Protests

A county proposal to put a satellite jail on Newport Boulevard was withdrawn late last week, following scores of protests from residents who waged a campaign to keep it out of the city.

In a letter to the Planning Commission, Orange County Youth and Family Services said it had dropped from consideration the Days Inn at Newport Boulevard and 21st Street as a possible jail site.

“We have elected to follow-up on the numerous constructive alternatives provided to us, in an effort to locate a site which is more compatible with the overall needs of the city of Costa Mesa,” wrote Kevin Meehan, executive director of Orange County Youth and Family Services.

The Planning Commission announced the decision Monday as it was about to take up consideration of the proposal.

This is the second jail site that has been dropped after facing stiff opposition within the community, and it may not be the last.

Deborah Abrecht of the Youth and Family Services--the nonprofit group selected by the county to find a site--said her agency is still looking for a site in Costa Mesa because it could serve not only central but also southern Orange County.

Abrecht declined to name the other sites under consideration.

The jail would house “low-risk” criminals on a special work furlough program. The inmates are chosen by the Probation Department.

Earlier this year, a satellite jail site was proposed for Maple Street and was quickly dropped after residents fought to keep it out of their residential area.

The Days Inn site, in a commercial area on busy Newport Boulevard, also drew criticism. Hundreds signed petitions and showed up at a meeting this month to confront Meehan about the plan.

If Youth and Family Services decides to present another proposal in Costa Mesa, it would have to go before the Planning Commission for approval.