BLOOMINGTON — Monroe County Commissioners faced strong opposition from residents during a public input meeting on Sunday regarding a proposed site for a new county jail on Vernal Pike. Attendees clearly stated: “We don’t want it here.”
The meeting followed the commissioners’ decision to delay a purchasing agreement for the site amid ongoing community concerns. Commissioners President Julie Thomas acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “Nobody would say, hey, build a jail in my backyard… but it has to go somewhere.”
Many residents, including retired veteran Sheryl Langdon, voiced worries about the proposed facility’s potential safety, traffic, and environmental impacts. “Why would I want this neighborhood to change its legacy when so many people love it?” Langdon asked, encouraging neighbors to express their opposition.
When Thomas requested a show of hands to gauge support for the Vernal Pike site, no attendees raised their hands. “I know there are more residents close by this site than at the North Park site actually living right on the doorstep,” Thomas said, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in their decision-making process.
The commissioners have indicated a preference for an alternative site at North Park, located off State Road 46. Thomas noted that the North Park site presents fewer topographical challenges and is more suitable for construction.
In addition to its favorable location, the North Park site offers better connectivity, with direct access to State Road 46 and proximity to Interstate 69. Thomas also mentioned that the developer of the North Park property is open to collaborating with nearby residents to enhance the area with additional amenities.
The ongoing debate over the Monroe County Jail has been contentious for over a year. It stems from a 2009 ACLU lawsuit that resulted in a settlement mandating the construction of a new facility due to overcrowding. Current conditions have prompted concerns, with reports of security incidents and a recent gas leak that required lockdown procedures.
Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté has warned that the existing jail is operating at its breaking point. “The staff at this point is at a maximum of what they do right now, and they are tired,” he stated, advocating for a clean, safe, and humane facility.
A feasibility study conducted by RQAW, an engineering consulting firm, suggested that the new jail could accommodate 450-500 beds, with an estimated design and construction cost exceeding $99 million. If the facility also includes courtrooms and offices for the prosecutor and probation department, the total cost could reach $150 million.
A work session is scheduled for October 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Nat U Hill at 100 West Kirkwood Ave. During this session, county commissioners, councilors, and sheriff staff will discuss the project further. The meeting will be open to the public, allowing residents to continue voicing their concerns and opinions on the future of the county jail.
