House Bill 4011 aims to repurpose Standish prison site for public sale

In a recent meeting of the Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, discussions centered on House Bill 4011, which aims to transfer state-owned land in Arenac County from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Technology Management and Budget. This transfer is intended to facilitate the public sale of the now-vacant Standish maximum security prison, which has been closed since 2009.

Kyle Kaminski from the Department of Corrections presented the bill, emphasizing the potential for repurposing the facility to address the pressing mental health needs in the community. He noted that local officials and citizens have recognized a significant gap in mental health resources, and the Standish prison could serve as a valuable asset in tackling this issue.

The Standish facility, which includes multiple housing units and recreational spaces, has remained empty for over a decade, leading to concerns about safety and maintenance. Kaminski highlighted that the prison has experienced break-ins, underscoring the need for a practical plan to manage the property effectively. The proposed legislation aims to ensure a clear transfer of ownership, protecting the rights of potential buyers and facilitating the repurposing of the site.

While the bill received unanimous support in committee last term, it did not advance due to contentious discussions during the lame duck session. The current push aims to revive the initiative, with hopes that the community can benefit from the repurposed facility.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the potential sale of the Standish prison represents a significant opportunity for local development and addressing critical community needs. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to the bill to ensure it meets the needs of both the state and the residents of Arenac County.