This browser does not support the Video element.
2 state juvenile facilities to replace Lincoln Hills announced
2 state juvenile facilities to replace Lincoln Hills announced
MILWAUKEE -- Gov. Tony Evers announced on Tuesday, March 12 that Wisconsin's Department of Corrections will build two new juvenile detention facilities in Milwaukee and Outagamie counties. Those facilities will house serious juvenile offenders after the state's troubled youth prison, Lincoln Hills School for Boys, shuts down for good.
The facilities will be located on the northwest side of Milwaukee and in Hortonia, a town of about 1,000 people between New London and Hortonville. A study committee picked the Milwaukee location to make it easier for families to visit youth inmates, Evers' office said in a news release. Hortonia was chosen for its proximity to families with children in DOC custody.
Lincoln Hills School for Boys
Republican legislators passed a bill in 2018 that requires the state Department of Corrections to close the Lincoln Hills youth prison by 2021 -- and replace it with regional facilities. The bill allows for borrowing up to $25 million for the facilities.
"I'm very excited that the governor has agreed that Milwaukee should be a site," said State Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee).
"That, to me, is a positive step. It'll allow the juvenile offenders to be closer to their families and community," said State Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills).
Sen. Taylor said she's concerned with the exact location in Milwaukee. According to the governor's office, it will be near Teutonia and Mill Road. Sen. Taylor recalled concerns that the proposed site was tainted.
"It's right next to a gas station that has not been able to be used for some time, and it's my understanding it's because of contamination," Sen. Taylor said.
The senator said she wishes there was more public discussion on the exact address for the Milwaukee location prior to the announcement.
"Without having these conversations, it's unclear whether the land is contaminated, who owns that land and who is responsible for the cleanup, is the state going to do that on behalf of that owner," Sen. Taylor said.
Ashanti Hamilton
Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton issued the following statement on this matter: