Board of Corrections to vote Nov. 8 on building state prison in Charleston

CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Board of Corrections plans to vote on Nov. 8 on building a state 3,000-bed prison in Charleston that has garnered controversy in the area.

The board plans to meet at 9 a.m. to make the vote.

On Oct. 31. officials with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' office said an 815-acre property was purchased in Charleston for $2.950 million after months of searching.

Arkansas officials announce land purchase to build new prison in Charleston

People in Charleston say they don't like the risk of inmates escaping and ending up near their homes. They also say they fear it brings down the property value of homes near the prison that have been there for some time.

Republican State Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest) spoke out Friday as well in a letter sent to the Chairman of the Board of Corrections and Sanders, asking them to not move forward with any plans until the local community has had time to weigh in.

The community met on Nov. 7 at a town hall to the building of the prison and voice their opinions and concerns.