JC Chamber team looks at new uses for old penitentiary

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Missouri State Penitentiary housed inmates for more than 168 years, but now one action team is looking at ways to restore and reuse the facility.

As part of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce’s economic development strategic plan “Transformation,” the MSP action team is recommending four proposals to encourage tourism and community activities at the old prison site.

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Earlier this month, each action team made a brief presentation of their recommendations and proposals in preparation for the final committee meeting Wednesday.

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JCLifer 1 year, 9 months ago

Use the old Supermax for the county jail and save 10's of millions of taxpayers' dollars.

rodinman 1 year, 9 months ago

JCLifer, how would using it as a county jail save 10's of millions of taxpayers' dollars? what would you do with the new county jail?

melbrooks 1 year, 9 months ago

That would be tough to do, Lifer. As part of the new Federal Courthouse location, the old Supermax was razed over 3 years ago.

sumtimesiwunder 1 year, 9 months ago

And will we, the City of Jefferson, be able to have any input on the decision making since it will be in OUR city and be near OUR neighborhoods?? Highly unlikely. And it's also doubtful we, the City, will get to see any of the proposed ideas to even get an idea of what "they" want to do with such a historic place.

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

As I understand it, the specific Transformation group that is working on the MSP project are all volunteers - Jefferson City citizens who would like to see some changes in the city. Possibly the head of the group is appointed. I am of the understanding that anyone can participate in these groups.

Rison 1 year, 9 months ago

Petunia, sounds like you need to remove the wool that someone put over your eyes. Is there anything being done in Jefferson City that isn't serving the self-indulgent elite faction?

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

well, I suppose I could say the same. The thing is - if we all think the way you describe - nothing changes. It is b/c people have believed they could actually affect change that has brought change. I CAN VOTE! Who do you identify as the 'self-indulgent elite'?

tonto 1 year, 9 months ago

No, we are only allowed to pay the bills.

JCLifer 1 year, 9 months ago

OK, I vote that we get a nice new casino at the old MSP site. Part of the deal for the casino will be a conference center and a nice big parking garage.

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

you know - I like the idea of a casino in the old prison. That is worth pursueing and - as I see it - distinct possibility it meets success....yeah really possible. Actually, JCLifer, this is the first time I have heard this idea. Maybe you want to talk about it with people?

RobHunterJohnson 1 year, 9 months ago

If we let them build a casino, maybe we could tap some of that Lake traffic on Thursday or Friday nights? Help our Lodging tax? The Casino could provide the conference center at no cost to Jeferson City and if we went back to angle parking we would not need another parking garage? Rob

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

Rob: well spoken - 'if we let them' EXCELLENT

3bunnies 1 year, 9 months ago

I also believe it would help to fill the hotels we have here, along with an increase in the lodging tax

melbrooks 1 year, 9 months ago

I suggest those advocating a casino call the gaming commission and ask how many licenses are available.

Can we please stop obsessing about a casino? When Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment limiting the number of licenses, it became a moot point. Why waste time and energy on a useless topic?

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

laws can be changed. That's how we got the increase in the lodging tax. Those promoting the conference center wanted/'needed' an increase in the tax - they asked us and enough said 'yes'. If 'we' don't like it - we can change it. Maybe not an easy task - it is within the realm of possibilities.

melbrooks 1 year, 8 months ago

Petunia, that is correct--laws can be changed. But the chances of a state constitutional amendment to modify the number of licences is slim to say the least. The lodging tax was a city ballot measure--a much more local issue.

In my opinion, the continuous griping about a casino does no one any good whatsoever.

JCLifer 1 year, 8 months ago

Maybe someday this town can learn from its mistakes.

wow 1 year, 9 months ago

Amazed...good comments.... If city housing were monitored correctly those gangster's and decaying unsightly conditions that plague housing projects would not exist. Code Enforcement needs to be on the JOB and evictions are long over due. Assisted family living areas are not a place for people to sell drugs, commit crimes or hide out after committing crimes. These places are for people who need temporary living assistance. Yet for some odd reason the areas have turned into gang ridden, crime invested, ugly eye sores.

As for the old prison site...seems like Amazed, Petunia, Melbrooks and JCLifer make good points. Hey JC leadership...are you checking out what these citizens are laying out?

JCLifer 1 year, 8 months ago

Occupancy permits required with monthly inspections. Why is this so hard?

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