FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Con-struction has started on the renovation and expansion of the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center, Dutch Lane Road.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director Theodore J. Narozanick, Robert Murray, administrator of the Hudson County Juvenile Center and president of the New Jersey Juvenile Detention Association, and Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley.
“My highest priority remains the safety and security of the residents of Monmouth County,” Oxley said. “The improvements to the youth detention center will enhance our rehabilitation capabilities at this center, thus helping to break the vicious cycle of recidivism.”
The work currently being undertaken at the center includes site work for the entire Phase 1 project and subsequent phases, installation of storm drains, expanded parking, and structural fill for the construction of the gymnasium, visitor center and central control. Cost of this part of the project is estimated at $633,000 with the total cost of Phase 1, which includes the completion of the gymnasium, visitor center and central control projected at $2.8 million.
“I am pleased that the Board of Freeholders is investing in the upgrading of the youth detention center,” Oxley said. “The existing youth detention center, built in 1970, does not meet current American Correctional Association and New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission standards. The renovation and expansion of the youth detention center will be a multi-phase project over several years.”
The juvenile detainees in the youth detention center will not have to be relocated during the renovation and expansion project, according to a press release from the county.
“The overall project, when completed, will bring the youth detention center into compliance with national and state juvenile detention standards, increase capacity, increase classification areas, replace portable temporary classrooms with permanent classrooms, update security technology, provide adequate recreational facilities and provide space for social workers and programs,” Oxley said. “The end result will be a state-of-the-art youth detention facility that will help ensure the safety and security of the juveniles entrusted to our care and will keep Monmouth County a safe and secure place to live, work and raise a family.”