Having a Woodside replacement detention center planned for Newbury doesn’t’ make sense and something isn’t right. DCF and Becket are in a tight relationship, but why is DCF trying so hard to make the Becket property work, when Becket itself said it’s not the perfect location? Why is DCF willing to commit so much additional taxpayer money to make this remote location work? Like having to install a dedicated high speed internet service, or paying for additional emergency services? Why has DCF not required any Becket investment? Why is DCF willing to go through so much trouble with permitting? Then there are the community issues to consider. Why has DCF chosen to move forward with this private location when there are viable existing state locations? Despite all the apparent issues with this location, why does the Agency of Human Services state they “believe that this facility is appropriately sited”?
A private company, Becket, is managing the State of Vermont’s adjudicated youth detention facility in an illogical location that is not aligned with the zoning ordinances and town plan.
There are lots of questions here, and few answers. In 2013 the Town of Newbury granted Becket a permit and Becket did not operate in compliance. This can’t happen again; especially when non-compliance with a high security facility will have a much higher impact on the community and Town of Newbury. The stakes are so much higher and its potential impact permanent.For additional information see https://www.newburyinfo.com.
Susan Kowalenko
Newbury
