The towns already offer an alternative place for Hastings employees to live. Even without a new prison, Hastings needs its small-town counterparts. The villages and small towns are important parts of our trade area and our community life. The letter writers cited economic and other benefits a local prison would have on the area. In turn, their communities offer small-town atmospheres employees may seek.
Some housing currently is available.
Also, a Lincoln couple is renovating the former Glenvil Elementary School building into five apartments. Harvard Mayor Glen Becker told the selection committee about a medical center in the works, recent improvements to the water system and streets and Harvard's excellent school system with motivated faculty. The potential economic impact of this facility to the Harvard community to continue our efforts would be significant. The town of about 975 people is 19 miles east of Hastings. Roseland A prison in Hastings would bring competitive jobs and wages to the area, said David Bruggeman, Roseland mayor.