PA Department of Corrections recommends closure of SCI Retreat
In a 643-page report released Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has recommended the closure of SCI Retreat.
It lists reasons for the closure as the age of the physical facility, infrastructure concerns (especially with the bridge entryway), and the inability to house physically handicapped prisoners, among other reasons.
The full report is available here.
SCI Retreat employs more than 400 people and houses about 1,000 inmates.
RELATED:Lawmakers vow to fight second proposed closure of SCI Retreat
The state has said that all employees have been guaranteed a job offer within 65-miles of SCI Retreat, but will be provided the opportunity to select employment at any SCI across the Commonwealth.
Prison representatives and local government officials have pushed back against the closure for months.
Two public meetings had to held over the issue, during which many pleaded with the state to keep the facility open.
RELATED: Public hearing held on planned closure of SCI Retreat
The second had to be held because Secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections John Wetzel was heard during the first meeting saying, "this does suck. I wish I didn't have to close this [expletive.] It is what it is," which many claimed showed the decision to close the prison had already been made, which would violates state law.
RELATED:DOC Secretary facing scrutiny for hot mic comments at last week's SCI Retreat hearing
In a statement regarding the closure, the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association said:
Secretary Wetzel’s comments caught on a microphone at the first SCI-Retreat hearing told us all we needed to know. This process has been a sham from the beginning — and it’s a dangerous one because it puts money over public safety. Our prisons are bursting at the seams and are more violent than ever — no matter how often the Department of Corrections manipulates its statistics on violence and inmate population. It’s time for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to hold this department accountable or more prisons are going to close in their districts.Public backlash successfully stopped the closure in 2017.
RELATED: Community members heard at SCI Retreat forum in Nanticoke
The closure would be an additional blow to Luzerne County, which is currently facing the closure of the White Haven Center as well.
SCI Retreat will cost about $1.2 million to maintain annually, until it's sold or repurposed.
Local politicians have been reacting to the news of the closure.
"If those jobs are lost, if those jobs go somewhere else, to another county, clearly that revenue is not going to stay in Luzerne County," said state Senator John Yudichak. "I think it's a flawed report, not an open and fair process so hopefully the Governor rejects, that's our next step."
State Representative Gerald Mullery said in a statement:
Unfortunately, there were no surprises contained in the DOC report or recommendations. We’ve known from the onset of this process that it was nothing more than a charade and violative of the spirit of Act 133.I’ve met privately with Governor Wolf and discussed the impact of this proposed closure, but it appears he will move forward with his recommendation. I expect an announcement by weeks end. Now we must focus on the displaced employees and ensure their transition to new facilities is expeditious and safe. For those who cannot undertake a transition, we need to offer assistance in the form of education and/or career training.Secondly, we need to assist the communities directly affected by this closure. I, along with a few colleagues and the governor, have begun preparing legislation directing assistance to employees and municipalities burdened by the closure of a large, state-run facility. I expect that legislation to be finalized and introduced shortly.Finally, I remain steadfast in my belief that Department of Corrections Secretary John E. Wetzel should be removed from the governor’s cabinet. He doesn’t possess the temperament, professionalism, or competence to run a used car lot, let alone the DOC. I have genuine concern for the safety of all DOC personnel under his command.In a joint statement, State Senators John Yudichak, Lisa Baker, and John Gordner said:
We stand with the brave men and women who have given their heart and soul working at SCI Retreat and the communities of Luzerne County. We vehemently disagree with the findings made in the report by the Department of Corrections to recommend the closure of SCI Retreat.Act 133 of 2018 was enacted to ensure that any prison closure would be thoroughly vetted in an open and transparent manner. The Department of Corrections clearly gave less than a good faith effort during the hearing process, and we do not believe it was fair to the workers of SCI Retreat, their families or the communities of Luzerne County.As we have done in the past, we stand in a bipartisan manner to call upon Governor Wolf to reject the findings made in this report and keep SCI Retreat open.The DOC's report now heads to Governor Tom Wolf and the minority and majority leaders of both the House and Senate for review.
According to his office, Governor Wolf will review the report and make a final decision in the near future.
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