Possible Prison in Western Loudoun!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

As you can see, I have never posted on this forum before. However, what I had heard this morning from a source shocked me, and I want to get to the bottom of this. The source, who has connections with the Virginia Department of Corrections, claims that the DOC is lookly very closely at some land in Bluemont due to the overcrowding of facilities in Southern VA. Whether this land would be developed into a prison farm or a full-blown maximum security prison is beyond me. Has anybody else heard this disturbing info?

 

I have not heard any reports specific to DOC looking at land near Bluemont. That being said it is very unlikely that DOC would build a prison near Bluemont, mostly due to economic factors. Look at the cost of land around Bluemont, while not the highest in the state, is definitely not a bargain. I don't think the state has any big budget surplus, so they should be looking at cheaper areas, not to mention areas with better interstate highway access. Another factor is that not many people would want to work for DOC wages in an area as expensive as Bluemont. They definitely should be looking in another part of the state.

 

Budget would mean nothing. They would make a "fair" offer, then condemn the land.

Yoooo cannot shtop zee shtate! Ve vill taake vat ve vant ant yooo vill aaappreciate it!

 

That would be great! It would cut down on my drive time to visit family.

 

Not to get eveyone's panties in a bunch, but this possible prison seems all too real. Get this, my college roomie (IU) who went on to work at the Corrections department hinted to me about the implications (our NOVA area) of a recent internal memo he received concerning a new prison in the Bluemont area. Now from what I can make of it is that due to recent (and favorable) housing market prices in the area, abundance of land, local support, and managerial problems at the Greensville correctional facility the higher ups in the DOC have begun to look at possible locations in the Bluemont area.

Now I know thats a lot to swallow but I have no reason to believe this is just in the "idea" phase from what I hear from my friend, however like all things, what Uncle Sam wants to do and can do are two very different things.:naanaa:

 

When I was in college I lived for a year a couple of miles from Lorton prison. In all that time, maybe twice the sirens went off during the night and some low flying helicopters hovered for a while. Other than that, they were perfect neighbors. :cop:

 

My first thought would be that Bluemont would not be high on the list of possible sites, because there are no public utilities. Employees could drive in from WV, I suppose, but I wonder where the local support is coming from? If you're running for BOS, seems like not such a good idea to support a prison. Maybe Tammi Marcoullier will sniff out the story.

 

I think it's related to the pending investigation of our Board of Supervisors and their friends.

 

Oh those rumors are just for another Flex building, they just look like prisons.

Lee j

 

I lived near Lorton for a while too. It's simple - lock your doors, set the alarm, arm your children.

 

It must be in the very early idea stage, and I have my doubts about how far that idea will get.

Not only for all the good reasons here (except you, GM. Two years and still no beef), but because of the Mt. Weather installation. No way, before we even get into how the money/power out there would mobilize against it (and likely win--anybody following the powerline issue, where an existing easement along a limited access inter-state highway is inappropriate and too darn close?).

I don't think a prison would really go there, but I have to admit, watching such a process/battle would be interesting.

 

I would prefer Virginia's prisons be built in the poor parts of the state. Maybe near Lynchburg or some place like that. Let's keep them out of our area.

 

Is that sarcasm?

 

No, it is not. I don't see any reason to house prisoners in our county if there are vast undeveloped areas of the state where the residents would not oppose a prison.

 

Lynchburg is not part of the poor area of the state believe it or not. The western-most part and some south eastern parts are much poorer. Also, there are other prisons already there.

Sorry...just had to defend some of my hometown turf....

 

How many poor people do you know that have stated they wouldn't mind a prison in their neighborhood? This seems rather assuming that they would have no opposition. Also since when did "undeveloped" equate to "poor"?

 

Like - not in MY backyard?

 

Gryphon has a good point. Not every part of Virginia has a vibrant economy like the Northern Virginia area. Some folks would welcome the prison, as it would offer a steady government career opportunity for the current residents while attracting new residents as well. It would also attract new business for tourism, hotels, and restaurants in those areas, thanks to prison visitors.

 

Earl4,

You stated my sentiment much better than I did. Thank you.

As far as offending Lynchburg natives, I apologize. I've been to Lynchburg, and I respectfully stand by my assessment: poor community. I know many people who are formerly from Lynchburg. It seems that the smart folks (like you, quailpond06?) leave.

 

If Silence or myself had made such a comment Gryphon would have declared it to be an elitist statement.