Scott County Government in Minnesota bought a home in a residential, single family neighborhood as a Right of Way purchase to improve road safety. The use was then changed to be used as a transitional re-entry home for incarcerated adult males. These men would have felony convictions, some with violent and sexual offenses, including level 1 and level 2 sexual offenders. This facility is not state licensed or regulated and each former incarcerated man would be housed there for a range of 30 to 90 days. These individuals would rotate through the house on a regular basis. The City of Prior Lake had not been contacted by the County regarding this home being placed in what is classified as an R-1 residential zone. On November 1st, Scott County held a public meeting; over 100 residents were in attendance to learn about this program and also voice their obvious concerns surrounding the safety for residents and the numerous young children who live in the neighborhood. A local in-home daycare provider voiced her fear of losing her license due to the nature of crimes the individuals in the home have been incarcerated for. Others voiced concerns that this property is directly across the street from a public playground.

The concerned residents reiterated several times that they agree that Scott County has housing needs and they support finding solutions for those needs. Placing a home of this type is a residential neighborhood is a new model in this County and not supported by any prior data. This process significantly lacked proper due diligence, coordination with City government, and transparent, community engagement. Last year, a similar facility in a residential zone was opened in Shakopee, MN without the surrounding community’s awareness.

The residents simply asked for further discussion and were met with firm opposition by County representatives. Please sign this petition to open up dialogue between the County and the community they serve.