Correctional workers union criticizes plan to relocate Lincoln prison, residents worry about potential closure

LINCOLN, Ill (25News Now) - AFSCME Council 31, the union representing the state’s prison workers, has released a report opposing the Illinois Department of Corrections’ proposal to relocate the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln.

In March, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and IDOC announced plans to tear down and rebuild the women’s prison, calling the building “inefficient, ineffective, and unsuitable for any population.”

Another report released in April suggested the building be closed and rebuilt in Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, a Chicago suburb.

The AFSCME report states that the relocation of Logan Correction Center would likely displace hundreds of workers. They reported there are fewer than 80 jobs available in the nearby facilities for the prison’s current 454 employees.

It’s something many residents say they are worried about.

“I think it is going to be detrimental to our town,” said resident Koree Leesman. “So many people rely on their income at the prison, so many community members work there, and I think it’s not going to be good.”

“They’re, they’re scared. Their family, it’s how they provide for them, and it’s how they put food on their table,” Leesman said.

The report also states the relocation could disrupt correctional operations and destabilize other facilities.

AFSCME said that closure and relocation would hurt inmates and their families. The prison currently houses more than 1,000 inmates.

“I think a lot of people have already relocated here and to force them into relocating somewhere else, I don’t think it’s very fair,” said resident Ami Cleveland.

“Moving it north is going to create problems for the families that want to visit,” said resident Troy Singleton.

The report also states the closure of the prison would take $68 million out of the local economy.

After the closure of the Lincoln Development Center in 2002, and the more recent closures of Lincoln College and Lincoln Christian University, residents said losing the prison would be a big blow as they work on trying to build their economy up again.

“I just feel like it could be a domino effect if we lose that type of income in our little town,” Leesman said. “We’re just going to see doors closing left and right, and it’s making it hard for small business owners to try and stand out because they don’t have the support of the town.”

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch sent a statement to 25News, responding to the AFSCME report:

“I support IDOC’s proposal to rebuild Logan Correctional Center, but I am strongly opposed to relocating it to the Stateville campus. Local leaders and I outlined many reasons why IDOCs proposal doesn’t make sense in a recent Facebook Live Town Hall. The video for that event can be viewed on Senator Sally Turner’s Facebook page as well as the City of Lincoln’s Facebook page. Not only will relocating LCC severely disrupt the lives of the employees, those incarcerated, and their families, but it will be another devastating blow to our community. I stand with AFSCME Council 31 in their position on this closure. I implore COGFA and the Governor to reject IDOCs proposal and avoid making the same mistake that the State made many years ago when it closed the Lincoln Developmental Center. The LDC campus still sits on one of our main corridors to our community and serves as a constant reminder of why we must fight hard to keep LCC right here in Logan County.”

According to the report, Logan Correctional Center could close and relocate within the next three to five years.