Wayne commissioners address prison site concerns

By PAT CAMUSO

HONESDALE — After much-heated debate and the appointment of a special committee to resolve the issue, the chosen site for the new county prison is still generating concerns. On May 16, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners addressed the primary issues.

The county is planning to build the prison on the Stourbridge School property that now houses Treasure House Day Care. The day care company plans to continue operating at the site and has asked the board to retain the playground on the east side of the property. The commissioners agreed.

They explained, however, that the basketball courts will have to be removed but “Wayne County will make every effort to relocate these courts to another site.”

Commissioner Tony Herzog said, “Prisoners will be kept inside the facility at all times. The prison people will not be near the playground, in fact, they will be at the opposite end of a six-plus acre property.”

Herzog said that no razor wire will used, there will be no recreation yard and lighting in the area will be kept at existing levels.

In a written statement, the commissioners said, “Wayne County has no agreement with the Immigration Service (INS), nor do we want one.” The board explained that the county’s conviction rates are significant and rising. Most inmates will be from the local area. “No INS prisoners will be accepted.”

The prison site will also incorporate new county offices. The commissioners describe their plan as “smart growth.” Herzog said, “The Stourbridge School purchase will not only accommodate a prison, but will also allow the county to relocate several offices to new quarters.”