(Sioux Falls) — A possible site for a new men’s prison in Sioux Falls is sparking debate over safety and long-term planning. The 28-acre lot sits just north of the existing Jameson Annex, but local leaders say it’s not as convenient as it looks. Mayor Paul TenHaken and State Representative Greg Jamison say the land is separated by a canal and would need its own infrastructure, making it more like a second campus than an addition. The city’s busy bike trail also runs right between the two areas, raising public safety concerns. Both leaders agree the state needs a larger site closer to 170 acres to safely house at least 15-hundred inmates and replace the current overcrowded, aging facility. Jamison says the task force is stuck choosing between land that’s not perfect or communities that don’t want a prison at all. Worthing and Mitchell have also been considered, but public pushback is growing. TenHaken says he supports finding the best solution, even if that means building near Sioux Falls. The next task force meeting is set for July 8th.
