Work Release Program Moves Downtown

ADRIAN, Mich. -
Participants in an alternative sentencing program moved downtown Friday, nearly 10 months after a judge cleared the way. Workers wrapped up Lenawee Development Corp.'s move to the remodeled basement of the former Adrian Public Schools administrative building on North Winter Street by the end of the day. Seeing the relocation take place was a relief to owner James Daly, who battled for city government approval to use the building after downtown business owners opposed his plans last year. The work release program Daly started seven years ago provides an alternative to jail when judges sentence non-violent offenders who want to keep their jobs while serving time. Counseling and substance abuse treatment services are also provided to participants. Daly said he purchased the building after being assured he could relocate Lenawee Development Corp. from a rented building in an industrial area on East Michigan Street. The city's planning commission, however, voted 3-2 to deny him a permit after downtown business owners complained program participants would create problems in the area. Some city officials worried the facility would discourage business development in the downtown. Daly appealed to circuit court, and jfk space center a visiting judge reversed the planning commission's ruling after a hearing in January. Remodeling work started soon after the court decision. The results were ready to show off to local court officials and the public on Wednesday. There are dormitory-style bedrooms as well as space for classes and counseling sessions. There are 22 security cameras located throughout the facility that allow Lenawee Development staff to monitor and record activities by residents. Probation officers at the judicial building are also to have access to the video system. Twenty-two people serving time in the program made the move Friday after workers finished hauling and space heater reviews setting up beds, kitchen equipment, office furniture and other gear. There is room for as many as 40 residents, Daly said, although Lenawee Development has not had more than 35 participants at a time since it began. What Daly is doing with Lenawee Development is helpful in avoiding crowding at the county jail, said city administrator Dane Nelson. He said he also expects Daly will operate the program without any problems. The location is the only objection the city had to Daly's plans, he said. 'My personal view is still that it's not the best location for that institution,' Nelson said. But a court overruled the city on that issue, he said,the city is cooperating with that decision. Daly said he has as much at stake as other downtown business owners in making sure the residential facility is run well. Two upper floors of the building are leased to business tenants. A Bear Claw coffee shop franchise is also to soon locate in the building, space saver storage renamed Courthouse Commons. His tenants would not tolerate disturbances or problems with Lenawee Development residents, Daly said. 'The people who are here are volunteers,' Daly said. They understand they would be in jail, he saidif not for the opportunity to take part in the work release program.