Claremont
“This will allow us to provide a higher level of supervision and more services around the clock,” Department of Corrections Superintendent Dave Berry told the board.
The proposal from Sullivan County does not require Planning Board approval because, as a government use, it is exempt from land use regulations by state law, City Planner Mike McCrory told the board.
However, county officials wanted to present the proposal to the board and give the public, including abutters to the 169 Main St., location, a chance to comment.
Berry said those chosen for the voluntary housing program will have completed the Transitional Reentry and Inmate Life Skills program, or TRAILS, and will have been sober for eight months.
Berry said the recidivism rate for the TRAILS program is half the state average, but only 19 percent complete the full aftercare program when they are receiving help to readjust to life back in the community.
“We know from our case management that housing is a barrier to sobriety and to completion of aftercare,” Berry said, adding that all too often, TRAILS graduates return to the same environment that got them in trouble in the first place.
“Here we can continue services in a safe environment,” Berry said.
Adam Lornitzo of Banwell Architects presented the plans for mostly interior renovations to build the dormitory-style housing with 16 male units and eight female units.
The board was generally supportive of the proposal and agreed to put its support in a letter. The county will apply for a grant in January for the renovation and if it is approved, work could begin this spring and be completed about this time next year.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
