COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners got a design status update on the new Branch County Jail during their work session Friday.
Architect Joe Mrak from Securitecture said the floor plan is consistent with what has been previously presented.
There have been recent questions about a location for juvenile offenders. Mrak said it would be away from the general jail population between the vehicle sally port and a booking area.
He pointed out it’s against federal law to have juveniles housed in a adult facility. Mrak said the special holding area is a place juveniles can be held before they are diverted to another location.
He added the space can also be utilized for someone who is having mental health issues.
Mrak said there are two renderings of what the facility might look like but the architectural design still has to be finalized.
Trees have been cleared for over a week from the site but Commissioner Terri Norris had questions about a Michigan Department of Natural Resources issue over some nearby wetlands. She was told there is an area that has been roped off but the tree clearing is continuing.
A Department of Environmental Quality report is anticipated next week. The official groundbreaking for the new jail has been scheduled for next Friday afternoon.
