Correctional center’s planned relocation draws mixed reactions

(The Center Square) – Local officials are not happy about the Illinois Department of Corrections’ decision to relocate Logan Correctional Center from Lincoln to Crest Hill, but a state senator from Joliet says the move is cost-effective.

The Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Capital Development Board announced the decision last week and said Friday they were seeking a “progressive design build entity” to construct two new facilities in the Will County city of Crest Hill.

The new facilities are slated to replace Logan, a women’s correctional center, and the now-closed Stateville Correctional Center for men in Crest Hill.

State Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, state Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, and Logan County Board Chair James Glenn promptly released a statement calling the decision to relocate Logan “ill-advised and devastating.”

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch said his community would likely see a reduction in population.

“There will definitely be a loss of sales tax revenue, pr...