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State approves Greene jail plan, but suggests more beds

Nov 28, 2018 12:30 pm
Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the state Commission of Correction November 20, approved Greene County's proposed 80-bed jail in Coxsackie; however, it recommended the county build a facility larger than the one planned. The notification letter was addressed to Greene County Sheriff Greg Seeley and signed by commission Chairman Allen Riley. The state's approval will expire in 18 months. “…The commission has serious concerns as to whether the 80-bed design, which was recently reduced from 96 beds, will meet Greene County’s long-term capacity needs without having to potentially construct additional bed space shortly after opening,” the letter stated. The jail’s recent population levels have at times reached 59 adults, according to the commission. The commission is of the opinion a smaller jail not will save the county money in the long-run. County lawmakers approved the jail project September 19, capping the facility at 80 beds. If changes are made to that plan, the project must come back the legislature for approval, Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden said. Construction is expected to take three years. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.