Bedlam Bar-B-Q Owners Hope New OKC Jail Isn’t Built Across His Street

The list of potential locations for a new Oklahoma City jail is up to 12 but not everyone is happy about those potential locations. 

Those who drive along NE 50th Street have to try some ribs. 

“It is our pride,” said Jeff Watts, the owner of Bedlam Bar-B-Q in Oklahoma City. “We’re grateful for Bedlam.” 

Bedlam Bar-B-Q specializes in homemade Bar-B-Q. Watt’s business has occupied that street for 21 years.  

“I have been in love with this area since I could walk,” Watts said. 

While Watts cooks in the kitchen something else is cooking in Oklahoma City.  

“It’s been a 30-year problem,” said Tim Tardibono, the executive director at the Oklahoma County Criminal Justuce Advisory Council.  

Last June, voters decided to approve a new jail in Oklahoma City. Voters weren’t the only ones concerned about the current jail. 

“The Department of Justice has concerns; the health department has mentioned they have concerns,” Tardibono said. 

The problem is one of the potential new locations includes this property right across from Watt’s business. 

“We never would have anticipated somebody using it for a jail, or a jail facility,” Watts said. “We absolutely cringe at the concept of a jail facility of any sort being our actual neighbor.” 

The city has a lot to consider before picking a place.  

“We obviously recognize that businesses and residents are gonna be concerned about that,” Tardibono said. 

Watts said a jail on his street would create bedlam for people who see a different future for this neighborhood.  

“We just think that we could build something to be proud, for really America to continue to look at Oklahoma City as a place that’s on the move,” Watts said. 

Governments have until June to submit additional land proposals. Tardibono said he doesn’t expect they’ll know where the new jail will go until late summer.