'No New Jail' protesters gather in opposition to $16.5 million Haywood Co. jail expansion

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Demonstrators gathered in Haywood County for a "No New Jail" rally on Saturday, May 2.

People there voiced their opposition to the proposed $16.5 million Haywood County jail expansion project.

Members of Down Home North Carolina and others in the community made their voices heard in front of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse.

MONEY FOR HAYWOOD COUNTY JAIL EXPANSION BETTER SPENT ELSEWHERE, GROUP SAYS

Locals have been vocally opposed to the costly jail expansion in Haywood County, citing concerns over misappropriation of public funds.

The proposed plan is to expand Haywood County Detention Center to meet the growing inmate population.

'JAIL 101' EVENT PROTESTS HAYWOOD CO. JAIL EXPANSION, CALLS FOR PREVENTION PROGRAMS

The $16.5 million price tag is too high, and that the money should go towards preventative measures and better mental health services, not greater rates of incarceration.

"You know, somebody that was arrested because they have schizophrenia and they are acting 'not normal' in public, they don't need to go to jail; that's going to exacerbate that situation. They need help," saidJesse-Lee Dunlap, Jackson County contact for Down Home North Carolina. "So we want to make sure folks get the help they need and make jail the last resort versus the first resort."

HIGH OCCUPANCY AT HAYWOOD COUNTY JAIL DRIVES PLANS FOR EXPANSION

County leaders said plans call for construction to begin in 2022 with occupancy taking place a year and a half after that.

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