OPINION — Putting a 1,500-bed detention center in the middle of the growing city like Surprise makes little sense — in particular, apparently with no notice to city, county or state officials.
The detention center is close to residences and schools. The economic impact on property values of both residences and business in Surprise, and in adjacent El Mirage, will be negatively impacted, and with diminished value they will pay lesser property taxes.
The additional demand on city services such as police, fire, EMS, water, sewer and roads, I believe, will be significant, with apparently a building (the detention center) that will pay no property taxes.
