BLOOMINGTON— The Monroe County Commissioners signed a purchasing agreement for nearly 52 acres off State Road 46 at North Park. The site, purchased for approximately $11.4 million, is slated to be the future location of the county jail and will be discussed in the upcoming county council meeting on November 12.
Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental reports for the North Park site have already been completed, revealing minimal ecological hazards.
Financial implications also weighed heavily on the decision. A representative from DLZ, the company involved in the jail’s design, warned that any delays could increase construction costs by up to five percent due to inflation. Recognizing the urgency, county leaders agreed to proceed with the North Park site during Tuesday’s meeting.
Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté underscored the necessity of the new facility, citing safety concerns raised by a gas leak at the current jail in September that nearly led to an evacuation. He emphasized that the North Park property offers a safer environment for both inmates and staff.
The anticipated cost for the new jail and a potential co-justice center complex could exceed $200 million. This project comes amid ongoing discussions about the current jail’s conditions, which have been under scrutiny since a 2009 ACLU lawsuit over overcrowding. The existing facility, originally designed for 128 beds, now has a maximum capacity of 258 but typically accommodates only 206 due to inmate classification.
A feasibility study earlier this year suggested that a new jail could house 450-500 inmates and allow for future expansion.
The commissioners’ decision to move forward with the North Park site marks a critical moment in Monroe County’s efforts to improve jail conditions and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.
