Springfield, MA, July 16, 2015 Springfield mayoral candidate Johnnie Ray McKnight

Statement on the relocation of the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center

As our city continues to make room for the new MGM Casino in the South End, the latest
effect has been the question of where to put the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol
Center, currently situated on Howard Street.
Though developers insist that the establishment of the new facility is still in the initial
phase, a public meeting Wednesday night gave the impression that the ground work is all but
done. Had I not known otherwise, the meeting would have led me to believe that the relocation
was already finalized.
However, despite how confident Sheriff Ashe and the Centers developers appear, the
community made their feelings very clear. In an effort to make their voices heard over the citys
special interest groups, they have already compiled more than 400 signatures in a petition to
move the correctional facility to a different location.
Moving a correctional facility is not like moving a department store or community center.
If this relocation goes through, parents throughout the North End will stay up at night, wondering
about the residents of the facility, now living in their neighborhood and around their children.
This will only compound the worries that already consume their daily thoughts, regarding the
recent shootings and murders that have been making headlines every month.
The facility on Howard Street has successfully treated thousands of residents. I have no
doubt that their work is impressive and vital, yet that facility has also had five runaways. When
families and children live down the street, and these prisoners resumes boast a variety of
different crimes, five runaways is five too many.
However, these concerns are not the only reasons that more serious thought must go into
this decision. Homeowners should have the right to protect their investments. Property values
may plummet because of this correctional centers move, and in a city where values are already
down, this would only further cripple our current economic situation.
Our elected officials have a duty to act in the best interest of their constituents- to listen
to their needs and work with them to create a better city for all. Given Wednesday nights
outpouring of opposition to the Wason Avenue location, it is clear that this is not happening.
Developers and officials seemed to give no legitimate thought to numerous other possibilities
before deciding on Wason Avenue. Sheriff Ashe even mentioned a possible site on Pine Street,
but no further details were given.
I would never assume this is an easy decision to make. Like many, I know people who
have suffered from addiction and I fully support the mission of the Correction Center. It is
essential that those with an addiction are able to receive the help they need. Nevertheless, in
looking for the best solution for this city- a city we should all feel proud to call our home- it is

the peoples voice that must come first. When hundreds of people gather this quickly to
vehemently oppose a decision, alternatives must be looked at more closely. It is our
governments job to work for the public. If elected mayor, I vow to always listen to the people,
and fight for them. The people have spoken. Its time for our government to listen.