SUNBURY — Methodical. That is how Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy, chairman of the prison board, describes the approach as the county talks about a new prison. Bridy says a feasibility study on the next steps for a prison will take time.
He says for now, each commissioner is looking at possible options, “Instead of looking at vacant land, I have taken it on myself to look more at buildings. We have so many empty structures in our county, from Sunbury to Mount Carmel and Milton that could be utilized. It is a matter of finding the right one, in the right location, at the right place.”
As for the prison on Second Street in Sunbury extensively damaged by fire, Bridy says they are still dealing with insurance, “They are trying to remediate what they can for insurance purposes. We were able to disconnect the generator and have it straight on city electricity. They are finding leaks in the roof and so on. The big question will be, if it has to be rebuilt, does it have to be rebuilt to code? Then, if so, those code improvements, will they fall under the purview of the history of the structure.”
As for the inmates, most remain in state correctional facilities, but Bridy says the county is utilizing house arrest more than ever before. Many of the full-time employees at Northumberland County Prison are now working on the state level at their facilities in Muncy and Coal Township. (Sara Bartlett)