NCJ Number
115055
Date Published
1986
Length
130 pages
Annotation
This study compares the socioeconomic impacts of two potential uses of the 100-acre Mound/Ryan property in northeast Detroit: the building of two 500-inmate prisons and an industrial park (proposed action) vs the use of the entire site for an industrial park (no action alternative).
Abstract
Through literature reviews and appropriate investigation of the community surrounding the site, the study focused on how the two actions would impact area crime rates and property values in the vicinity of the site. Comparison of the proposed action with the no-action alternative indicates that although the no-action alternative would have lesser direct social impact on the neighborhoods surrounding the site, it may have significant indirect effects on the continuous growth in the local crime rate due to the failure to provide for increased inmate space and the absence of increased crime prevention and crime control efforts associated with the proposed action (prison construction). Regarding near-term economic benefits, only in the case of property tax revenues does the no-action alternative surpass the proposed action. Over the longer term, the prisons will create stability within the local economy; the no-action alternative offers some potential for continued economic growth and increased employment. Mitigation measures are proposed to relieve community concern about the prison construction. 66 exhibits.