MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved on Tuesday the construction of a new youth correctional facility near the city’s northside, replacing Lincoln Hills.
During a public hearing held at City Hall, the council voted 5-0 in favor of the rezoning that allows for the youth facility to be built at 7930 W. Clinton Ave. in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Common Council public hearing in City Hall (Photo courtesy of WTMJ’s Jason Smith) 
Milwaukee Common Council public hearing in City Hall (Photo courtesy of WTMJ’s Jason Smith) 
Milwaukee Common Council public hearing in City Hall (Photo courtesy of WTMJ’s Jason Smith) 
Milwaukee Common Council public hearing in City Hall (Photo courtesy of WTMJ’s Jason Smith) 
Milwaukee Common Council public hearing in City Hall (Photo courtesy of WTMJ’s Jason Smith)
The next step is to now send the proposal to a full Milwaukee Common Council vote at 9 a.m. on Jan. 17.
RELATED: This Milwaukee site would replace Lincoln Hills youth prison
In 2015, police officers raided the prison after receiving the reports. The raid was followed by many lawsuits claiming “youth mistreatment.” Wisconsin has spent more than $25 million in legal fees and settlements.
Local leader with EX-incarcerated People Organizing Sylvester Jackson was at the public hearing and spoke before the committee.
“I’m pro-the-youth-facility because it does one thing that hasn’t been done in the city,” Jackson said. “It brings young people are convicted outside of Milwaukee back to the Milwaukee area to the family and the support of the community.”
Jackson doubled-down on the need for support young incarnated people long for to help them best maneuver in life; whether that be while they’re in the youth prison or when they are just coming out. He said this is a move that shows the community “cares.”
“I’ve been out of prison and I know how hard it is to make it if you don’t have support,” Jackson said. “That’s the one thing I know they need. Nobody is crazy enough to say there won’t be any issues. There’ll always be issues, but this way they have a community that cares.”
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