Commission tables request to reopen three dorms, citing habitability and programming concerns

The Commission of Correction on April 2 tabled a departmental request to authorize the use of three dorms — Dorm 3 Upper, Dorm 4 Upper and Dorm 4 Top — that the department said could house 50 people each for a total of 150 inmates if approved. The chair moved to table the item to allow time for repairs and a follow-up inspection.

An agency official told the commission the department seeks an "updated revision within the max facility capacity" and plans to "open up Dorm 3 Upper, Dorm 4 Upper and Dorm 4 Top, which are all multiple oxygen housing areas," with completion of remaining work "by Friday" and beds, mattresses, sinks and toilets made operational if the request is approved. Commission staff said they had reviewed the request and "recommend that a capacity rating of 0 for each of those dorms be established" while allowing the commission to consider a variance to permit conditional use.

Commissioners voiced safety and habitability concerns. One commissioner who inspected the site said, "it's not habitable," and others pressed for a clear plan for medical services, recreation and programming before any occupants are placed in the facility. Following discussion the chair proposed tabling the request; after a second the commission recorded aye votes and the item was tabled pending repairs and a more detailed inspection with programmatic requirements.

The commission did not change the facility's rated capacity on the record; staff noted that without an established MFC the item remains in a non-operational mode. The request may return to the commission after the department responds to the repairs and provides the required programming and inspection plan.