DeKalb County residents press commissioners to halt plan for jail near Smith Road; commissioners delay formal decision

Residents of DeKalb County spoke decisively against proposed sites for a new county jail during public comments at a DeKalb County Commission meeting, and commissioners moved to delay a property decision while holding a follow-up committee meeting.

Paul Miranda, who identified himself as a resident of District 4, told the commission he and his family oppose a proposed jail site on Smith Road about 1.5 miles east of Northside Elementary School. Miranda said the property had originally been annexed for residential development and argued that Tennessee law allows counties to build facilities without local zoning restrictions but that the Smith Road location is “not remotely suitable for a jail or county complex.”

The opposition was echoed by other speakers. Jody Miranda, also of District 4 and a former corrections officer, described operational and safety problems she has seen in jails and said building a jail in a residential neighborhood near a school would be unsafe. Jonathan Bradley of District 2 said voters already rejected a $65 million justice center proposal and urged commissioners to consider rebuilding at the existing jail site to save money. Kathy Slager, identifying herself from District 1, cited last November’s referendums and said the public “does not want a criminal justice center” and does not want money spent on a jail.

Why it matters: Several speakers said an on-site jail could reduce nearby home values, increase daily traffic and pedestrian movement through residential streets, and pose safety and security concerns because detainees leaving the facility might pass near school property. Speakers also raised fiscal concerns, citing recent tax increases and the need for county spending on infrastructure and core services such as courthouse HVAC and public safety equipment.

Commission action and next steps: During the meeting a motion was made to postpone discussion of specific property options until a jail-committee meeting to be held the week following the meeting. The commission voted by acclamation to table further action on the property selection; the chair said the committee will review each potential site, including the downtown location, list pros and cons, allow public questions and answers, and may seek an informal vote at that meeting. The commissioners set the committee meeting for April 7 at 6 p.m.

Speakers who addressed the commission during the public-comment portion included Paul Miranda (resident, District 4), Jody Miranda (resident, District 4 and former correctional officer), Jonathan Bradley (resident, District 2), Kathy Slager (resident, District 1), and Elise Windus (resident, District 4). Commission members signaled they will revisit property options after the committee meeting and public Q&A.

Context: Several commenters urged alternatives, including rebuilding at the existing downtown jail site and exploring county- or city-owned land already in public use near the transfer station. Some urged collaboration with the city to identify larger tracts less proximate to homes and schools.

Ending: The commission did not vote on any property purchase or site selection. Instead it postponed the property decision and scheduled a committee meeting for April 7 at 6 p.m. to review options and hear public questions.