Charleston community pushes back against $2M land purchase for proposed state prison

CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A $2 million land purchase near Charleston for a proposed state prison has sparked strong opposition in the small Franklin County community.

State officials say the purchase is part of a plan to address a shortage of 2,000 to 3,000 prison beds across Arkansas.

The move aligns with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' stated commitment to expanding prison capacity, according to her office. However, residents at a packed town hall meeting Thursday night expressed concerns over the prison's potential impact on safety, property values and the character of their community.

"Anytime we have government making decisions without talking to the people, without public input, it's a concern," resident Joey McCutchen said. "Decisions like this shouldn't be made in secret."

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

Former Benton County Circuit Judge John Comstock, now a board member of the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, said he questioned the need for a new prison facility.

"If you're going to build a 3,000-bed facility, have you fully reviewed the current prison population to determine if there are inmates who could be safely released?" Comstock said.

The Arkansas Board of Corrections is scheduled to vote on the prison proposal Friday morning.

"For many here, it's not just 'not in my backyard'—it's about maintaining the community they built for future generations," Comstock said. "They deserve to be genuinely heard, not only to voice their opinions but to see those opinions considered in the final decision."

KNWA will provide updates as more information becomes available.