In a recent Shelby County Commission meeting held on September 8, 2025, community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed relocation of the Walter L. Bailey Criminal Justice Center to the New Chicago area, specifically the old Firestone property. The discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding ethics, environmental safety, and the socio-economic impact on the historically black community.

Deidre Malone, representing the Carter Malone Group, urged the commission to consider her client’s proposal for the Firestone property, which has been remediated for use as a golf driving range and course for children. However, many speakers challenged the appropriateness of placing a jail in a community that has long been underserved and underfunded. Dr. Carnita Atwater, Executive Director of the New Chicago CDC, emphasized the lack of funding for community development in the area, arguing against the ethical implications of situating a jail in a neighborhood that has not received adequate support.

Several speakers, including state representatives and local activists, criticized the proposal as a means for profit at the expense of community welfare. They argued that the focus should be on investing in resources such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and vocational training centers rather than a jail. The sentiment was echoed by Norman Redwing Jr. and Pastor James Reed, who called for the removal of New Chicago from consideration for the jail site, citing health risks associated with the contaminated land and the negative impact on the community's future.

Community members expressed a collective desire for revitalization rather than criminalization, with many emphasizing the need for ethical governance that prioritizes the well-being of residents over profit-driven motives. The meeting concluded with a strong call for the commission to listen to the voices of the community and to seek alternatives that would foster growth and opportunity rather than perpetuate cycles of incarceration.

As the commission deliberates on this contentious issue, the voices of New Chicago residents remain a critical factor in shaping the future of their community. The outcome of this proposal could have lasting implications for the area, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equitable development and community empowerment in Shelby County.