The state of Wisconsin’s youth jail undertaking in Milwaukee is shifting ahead with the acquisition of web site this week on the town’s northwest facet.
For $1.1 million, the state Division of Corrections acquired the 6.7-acre property at 7930 W. Clinton Ave., in accordance with state actual property information. The positioning was once a state Division of Motor Autos automobile emissions testing heart.
Final fall, the positioning was chosen for the 32-bed facility and the Milwaukee Widespread Council accredited the change in land use in January.
The power will change two youth correctional amenities in northern Wisconsin.
In 2017, the state Legislature agreed to shut Lincoln Hills College for Boys and Copper Lake College for Ladies, each in Irma, after an investigation validated experiences of abuse and unsafe working situations on the amenities.
Whereas enhancements have been made at each amenities, Gov. Tony Evers mentioned creating a brand new facility in southeast Wisconsin has been a long-term objective of his administration.
“There’s little doubt we’ve made great enhancements at our state’s present amenities, however the objective for me and my administration since day one has been to shut Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, and to get our children nearer to dwelling as quickly as we safely and responsibly may,” mentioned Evers in a 2022 assertion.
Talking at a metropolis assembly in January, DOC Secretary Kevin Carr mentioned development for the Milwaukee facility, which shall be for boys solely, shall be accomplished by early 2026. There shall be a transition interval the place the youth shall be moved to Milwaukee following development.
Finding the jail in Milwaukee will carry a majority of the residents nearer to their households in southeast Wisconsin for visitation and help, Carr mentioned.
The Clinton Avenue property was bought from an affiliate of Poblocki Paving.
