Marana moved a step closer to having a true downtown after the town’s council approved a lease and development agreement with Marana Urban LLC for approximately 19 acres of town-owned property. The approval vote took place at the Dec. 15 town council meeting.
Before the Marana Urban vote, however, Mayor Jon Post updated those present on the Management and Training Corp. (MTC)’s possible intention to build an ICE detention facility in the former Marana Prison building. Post said MTC representatives came to town to talk with him and town manager Terry Rosema.
“Both myself and the town manager expressed our desire that MTC try to open as a private prison, not an ICE facility,” Mayor Post said. “In return they told us what they were doing. They were exploring options. They have had several discussions with state agencies around the country but they have also had a discussion with ICE. We again expressed our desire to have that be a private facility because when they were open before we enjoyed a relationship with them that really helped our community so they understand our position.”…