Crumbling Walls, Soaring Costs: The Fate of New Bedford's Historic Ash Street Jail

In a move that highlights the challenges of maintaining aging correctional facilities, Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux is confronting the harsh realities of the Ash Street Jail in New Bedford, Massachusetts. A recent structural inspection has revealed the need for over .8 million in repairs, prompting Heroux to consider a bold plan to close the historic but deteriorating jail and consolidate operations at the Dartmouth campus.

Uncovering the Cracks: A Costly Dilemma for the Ash Street Jail

Structural Woes and Safety Concerns

The Ash Street Jail, a 136-year-old facility, has been plagued by structural issues that have become increasingly concerning. A recent inspection ordered by the district state building inspector uncovered falling bricks and other visible facade problems, posing a hazard to anyone passing by the building. The inspection report suggested that a "band-aid fix" would cost around ,000, while properly addressing the structural issues would require a staggering .8 million investment.

Weighing the Costs: A Fiscally Responsible Approach

Sheriff Heroux has concluded that it would not make financial sense to pour .8 million into a facility that costs the county approximately million per year to operate. Instead, he believes it is more prudent to consolidate resources and operations at the Dartmouth jail campus, a move that he has advocated for since his campaign for the sheriff's office.

Envisioning a Comprehensive Solution

Heroux's plan involves retrofitting an unused kitchen on the Dartmouth campus to accommodate the regional detainees currently housed at the Ash Street Jail. This would not only improve safety and efficiency but also save the county a significant amount of money in the long run. Additionally, the existing unused housing units at the Dartmouth facility would be utilized to accommodate the approximately 80 inmates currently housed at the Ash Street Jail.

Unlocking the Potential: Repurposing the Ash Street Jail

Once the inmates have been relocated, Heroux intends to turn the Ash Street Jail over to the Commonwealth, paving the way for a potential sale to a private developer or an alternative use yet to be determined. This move could generate between million and million for the state, further bolstering the financial viability of the plan.

Consolidating Resources, Enhancing Security

By consolidating operations at the Dartmouth campus, Heroux aims to not only save on utilities and maintenance costs but also to improve the staff-to-inmate ratio, thereby enhancing the overall security of the facility. This strategic move aligns with his vision of optimizing resources and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff.

Garnering Support: A Collaborative Effort

Heroux has reached out to the local state senators and representatives, seeking their support for his multi-phase plan to close the Ash Street Jail. The response has been positive, with State Representative Chris Markey pledging to take the necessary steps to make the plan a reality. Other legislators have also expressed their support for Heroux's proposal.The fate of the Ash Street Jail is a complex issue that highlights the challenges faced by aging correctional facilities across the country. Sheriff Heroux's proactive approach, rooted in fiscal responsibility and a commitment to public safety, offers a potential solution that could serve as a model for other jurisdictions grappling with similar dilemmas. As the plan unfolds, the community and stakeholders will closely watch the unfolding of this pivotal decision that could shape the future of the Ash Street Jail and the broader criminal justice landscape in Bristol County.