Campus could become work camp

The Clarion-Ledger, 7/8/7

One of three sites being considered for a misdemeanor work camp may draw resistance from residents of a middle-class north Jackson community.

The 26-acre campus that houses Ekklesia Christian Academy on west Beasley Road sits near the Lakeover, Norwood, Valley North, Woodhaven and Woodlea subdivisions. The camp is being considered for a $1.9 million, 200-bed detention facility where Jackson police can hold nonviolent offenders until they can pay off their fines.

Mayor Frank Melton said he is awaiting a lease-purchase agreement to complete the deal. An official with the Jackson College of Ministries, which owns the property, did not return a telephone call late Friday.