Crete Resident: Village Would 'Basically Die' If Detention Center Opens
CRETE, Ill. (CBS) -- There are some sharp lines drawn in south suburban Crete, where a private prison corporation plans to build a detention facility for the immigration service.
As WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports, Corrections Corporation of America spokesman Steve Owen says the center promises economic improvement for Crete.
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"I think 200 new jobs in the community, and approximately $1.2 million annually in property taxes; another $1.2 million in utility fees, is what we're estimating at this point," Owen said.
But Crete resident Mark Rose would see the detention center out his rear window, and he says the consequences of opening the facility might be devastating.
"The village itself is going to, I believe, basically die. People will move out. You won't be able to sell your property," Rose said.
Crete village administrators say there is no final official word on construction plans, though Corrections Corporation of America literature says the detention center will be built on 74 acres on west Monee Road.
