Youth detention center development plans in Tolland put on hold for now, says lawmakers

Plans to build a youth detention center in Tolland have been put on pause for now, according to local lawmakers.

Less than a week ago, State Rep. Tammy Nuccio said the community felt “blindsided” when they learned there was already a signed sale agreement with only 60 days to closing.

“My big issue is the fact that it was not transparent. There was no communication with the town,” Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R–Tolland) said.

Now, Nuccio said on her Facebook page that there was now a temporary halt on the plans.

“Let me be clear: this is not over. But this pause gives us the opportunity to fully examine what this facility would mean for Tolland before any final decision is made,” Nuccio said in the post.

According to Nuccio, the pause follows a “productive meeting” on Wednesday between the Tolland legislative delegation, town officials, representatives from the judicial branch, and state officials. The announcement said the meeting was facilitated by the governor’s office and concluded in agreement to stop the purchase process until further evaluations were completed.

“This is an important step forward for transparency for the residents of Tolland,” the delegation, including Nuccio, State Tep. Tim Ackert, State Sen. Jeff Gordon, and Town Manager Brian Foley said, “While this issue is far from resolved, we now have the opportunity to thoroughly examine what this facility would mean for our town before the state proceeds with any purchase.”

The state plans to develop a property into a 20-bed detention facility, otherwise known as a REGIONS facility. An explanation on the judicial website said the facility works with youth involved in the court system who are ordered or choose to enter its residential programs and centers.

It adds, “All programs are designed to develop positive social skills for the juveniles in their care and to contribute to community safety.”

According to the statement, the town and the delegation will request a series of comprehensive evaluations. This includes:

• The potential economic impact of removing commercial property from the business corridor.
• A full public safety assessment, including the facility’s location to daycare centers and homes.
• Clarification on operational details, including security measures and the long-term implications for the town, as well as infrastructure impacts.

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