Almost 90 acres in southwest Bloomington likely will be the site of a new county jail. Monroe County Board of Commissioners met yesterday to approve the $10.02 million purchase agreement.
Serious concerns have been raised about the current jail’s condition. County attorney James Cockerill said a criminal justice report on the current jail was “honest but negative about the current ability to maintain a constitutional level of care.”
The agreement comes with a list of contingencies, including a rezoning, environmental assessments, and a second appraisal.
County commissioners feel an urgency to act on construction amid concerns of federal intervention. “If we don’t take this step, it is likely that the feds will come in and require us to build a new jail… this would all happen without public input from the community,” said Lee Jones, Monroe County commissioner.
Cockerill said the land “checks off all the boxes” for what they are seeking. They wanted a lot over 40 acres that was both within city limits and away from any neighborhoods.
Being within city limits allows the jail to work alongside public transit to get access to adequate bus service.
County Commissioner Julie Thomas said the size of the property allows them to accommodate for additional recommended resources.
Cockerill hopes the plot will be purchased by the end of the year, and if all stays on track, the jail to be constructed by 2024 or 2025.
