News Summary
City officials in Jacksonville are assessing potential sites for a new jail complex estimated to cost $1 billion. A proposal indicates city-owned land on the Northside could be ideal, with officials emphasizing that the facility will not be located downtown. The next steps involve conducting a feasibility study as part of a structured solicitation process, aimed at ensuring transparency and community engagement in the planning.
Jacksonville city officials are evaluating potential sites for a new jail complex estimated to cost around $1 billion. Recently, a development team proposed that city-owned land on the Northside off Lannie Road could serve as a prime location for this new main jail. However, city authorities have confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding the jail’s site, aside from the clarity that it will not be located downtown.
The Northside area is particularly appealing because it aligns with the city’s long-term planning for a jail facility near the Montgomery Correctional Center, located north of the Jacksonville International Airport. The proposal suggests that further study is essential before a final site selection can be made, emphasizing the need for sufficient space for dormitory-style housing as well as future expansion capabilities.
Jacksonville city officials recently rejected unsolicited proposals from three firms, which included a comprehensive framework for the project that featured feasibility studies, design, construction, and a long-term lease back to the city. Even though state law permits the acceptance of unsolicited proposals, city officials opted for a more structured competitive solicitation process. This decision underscores a commitment to transparency and community engagement in the planning process.
The next phase of the project will involve contracting a firm to conduct a feasibility study, which will outline the site selection process and the types of facilities required in the new jail. The Mayor’s office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), and the city’s procurement division are preparing to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for this study, expected to be distributed in approximately one month.
City Councilmember Will Lahnen has been designated as the liaison between the City Council, the Mayor’s office, and the JSO. His role will focus on ensuring transparency and gathering community input as the planning progresses.
A special City Council committee’s report from last year recommended the construction of a new jail complex that would incorporate facilities for mental health treatment and programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation. This aligns with ongoing discussions about improving the management and oversight of correctional facilities in Jacksonville, aiming for a more effective system that addresses both public safety and the needs of the correctional community.
The city received the proposal from Sustainability Partners, Ajax Building Company, and HOK on March 19, which suggested a site bounded by Lannie Road and Ethel Road for the new facility. A second unsolicited proposal was also submitted, but it was not accepted as city officials were already working towards seeking other competitive proposals.
City Chief of Procurement Dustin Freeman highlighted the city’s commitment to a competitive and phased approach to this project in a communication on April 28. As Jacksonville moves forward with plans for the new jail complex, priorities centered on broader community engagement, transparency, and innovative facility designs that address the various needs of inmates remain at the forefront of city officials’ considerations.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Requests Proposals for Jail Feasibility Study
- Inmate Safety Concerns at Duval County Jail
- Proposals for New Duval County Jail Location
- Inmate Injury Leads to Officer Suspensions
- Jacksonville Receives Unsolicited Jail Proposal
- Wikipedia: Jail
- Google Search: Jail Feasibility Studies
- Google Scholar: Jail Design and Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail
- Google News: Duval County Jail
