DETROIT (WJBK) - Authorities in Wayne County announced Friday they will not be completing the unfinished jail on Gratiot Avenue, and that negotiations are continuing for a new criminal justice center.
A press release states Wayne County and Rock Ventures are closing in on a deal for a new criminal justice center near I-75 and Warren Ave.
Negotiations are still underway, but we're told Rock Ventures will pay a previously approved $500,000 stipend to Walsh Construction, who bid to finish the Gratiot site.
The stipend compensates Walsh for the costs associated with submitting a substantive response to the county's request, and was approved as speculation arose about whether or not the County would complete the Gratiot jail or negotiate a deal with Rock Ventures.
Earlier this week, the Detroit City Council approved a deal for Wayne County to acquire the land needed to proceed with the other criminal justice center.
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A press release states cost comparisons of the two proposals, total number of facilities to be built, and protection against cost overruns were the key reasons for moving forward with the Rock Ventures option rather than completing Gratiot.