To the editor:

Our community should not allow financing of a really bad idea – expanded jail complex with extra beds for lease, in Columbus.

An architectural firm benefitting from nearly $870,000 commission, said existing jail “is working very efficiently.” Davis was quoted as saying “your jail facility is working as well as anyone in the state,” in the Bulletin Jan. 28 this year. He explained to county commissioners that the jail could be renovated either on site, next to the present site, or on another five acre site. It could, also, be expanded to 80 beds, (or double). The core accommodates 100 beds with kitchen. “Overflow” beds could be leased out to other counties. Three commissioners chose the latter (3A), then changed zoning to accommodate a move down the road.

The 22-acre site for proposed jail complex, purchased for nearly $2,000,000, is en route to our high school and middle school, adjacent to Gibson Park where children swim outdoors.

I sympathize with the sheriff having fallen down stairs and ending up with broken pipes leaking urine. The pipes should be fixed, mold removed. A renovation of existing jail on site and perhaps the adjoining site would be perfect.

There are no null solutions here. “Anything is possible,” said my Yale educated, architect, father who taught structure to graduate students. It is absolute hogwash that the jail could not be renovated on site. In a design class 15 architectural students will come up with 15 different plans. Some stand out as being better than others.

To take the entire town of Columbus piece by piece, move it half a mile in another direction, and later move the courthouse, without referendum or architectural planning, is reprehensible.

Renovations to the 1859 courthouse were completed in 2008, by Harris Architects, at $1.5 million. They renovated a historic space, while attaining awards for excellence. That was a plan, and the rest of this is political nonsense at work.

Do we want education, parks, trees, or a huge jail complex en route to schools and new equestrian center? Nobody has a plan for the actual historic center of Columbus. The courthouse is the center of town.

Planning was reduced from the county budget along with forestry, soil erosion, tourism down to 3 percent. Eighty-six million dollars in additional taxable property, from new equestrian center, increased revenue. Polk County budget projections for the year include 23 percent public safety, 23 percent education, minus new debt.

Change trajectory – renovate existing jail, put money into the high school. The superintendent asked for more money. Sell the 22 acres, purchased for nearly $2 million, to Asheville YMCA, plant buffer of trees along road.

The entryway to town should have an attractive plan. Clearing of trees leads to urban sprawl. Exit off 74 to see bite out of Chocolate Drop and another bite out of woods for ill-conceived jail complex. Use increased revenue from equestrian center for funding of academic programs, physical renovation of the high school. Aim toward renewable energy design – solar panels, a windmill. Soccer teams can’t afford new uniforms, or art teachers supplies. Field trips are scarce, school buses spouting smoke.

Most parents would love a YMCA where trees have already been removed by Milliken. What a functional, strategic, addition to the carpool line on 108, encouraging adults to swim or take yoga after drop off, or after work. Children whose working parents are busy would have swimming classes, swim team, clubs. Incorporate the School Breakfast Program which gives federal funding for free meals to kids. What do we care about as a society?

~ Sarah Gary, Tryon, N.C.