Promises Made - Promises Kept
Vote April 1, 2025

Stateville Penitentiary Closure

On January 16, 2024, we were notified by representatives of the Governor of the State of Illinois' office that the State of Illinois Department of Corrections is set to begin the process that could lead to the demolition, reconstruction, and potential expansion of the Stateville Correctional Center within the next 3 to 5 years. While the State of Illinois has not yet finalized its plans for the Stateville facility, it has made it clear that it is committed to working closely with all the stakeholders that will be impacted by this potential project including the City of Crest Hill.

On June 11, 2024, I had the opportunity to speak before the Senate Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, and to provide my thoughts and opinions on the closure, demolition, and expansion of Stateville Correctional Center. Below is the COFGA statement that I shared with the Senate Committee:

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Raymond R. Soliman and I am the Mayor of the City of Crest Hill and I thank you for the opportunity to offer my testimony tonight. As the Mayor of the City of Crest Hill, I am committed to advancing our community's growth, safety, and prosperity. The proposal to demolish the outdated Stateville Correctional Center and rebuild a modern facility, coupled with the relocation of Logan Correctional Center to Stateville's grounds, presents a unique opportunity to achieve several key benefits for our city.

First and foremost, the demolition and reconstruction of Stateville Correctional Center will address critical infrastructure issues. Stateville, constructed in the early 20th century, suffers from severe structural and operational deficiencies. These inadequacies not only pose safety risks but also result in higher operational costs to the state due to frequent repairs and inefficient energy use. A modern correctional facility can incorporate advanced security features, advanced building practices, and improved living conditions for incarcerated individuals, ensuring a safer environment for both staff and incarcerated individuals. We believe this upgrade will align with contemporary standards of humane treatment and correctional efficacy.

Moreover, relocating Logan Correctional Center to the Stateville site will consolidate correctional services, creating operational efficiencies and reducing costs. The centralization of facilities gives the opportunity to streamline administrative functions, allowing for better resource allocation and more effective rehabilitation programs. By investing in a single, state-of-the-art site, the Illinois Department of Corrections can enhance the quality and consistency of its services, ultimately fostering better outcomes for incarcerated individuals and society.

From an economic perspective, this project will bring significant benefits to the City of Crest Hill. The construction phase will generate substantial employment opportunities, benefiting local businesses and boosting the city's economy. In the long term, the presence of a modern correctional facility can attract further investments in the area. Additionally, a new facility could have the potential to incorporate community-based programs that provide job training and educational opportunities for residents, further strengthening our local workforce.

It is also important to consider the humanitarian aspect of this proposal. A new facility will provide a healthier, more dignified environment for incarcerated individuals, many of whom will eventually re-enter society. Improved conditions and access to comprehensive rehabilitation programs, as well as health care and educational programs due to the City of Crest Hill's close proximity to the City of Chicago are essential for successful reintegration, ultimately benefiting the broader community by reducing the cycle of recidivism.

In closing, the demolition and reconstruction of Stateville Correctional Center, along with the relocation of Logan Correctional Center, represents an investment in the future of the City of Crest Hill. It promises to deliver enhanced safety, economic growth, operational efficiencies, strategic location, and improved correctional outcomes. As Mayor, I am confident that this project will serve as a catalyst for positive change, reinforcing the City of Crest Hill's reputation as a forward-thinking and resilient community.

As of September 30, 2024, all of the incarcerated individuals from Stateville Penitentiary have been relocated to other penal institutions around the State of Illinois. No changes have been made to the Receiving and Classification center which will remain intact and continue to serve as the Northern processing center for all incarcerated individuals in the State of Illinois. We are continuing discussions with the State of Illinois, and as of right now, the proposed plan is for the construction of two new facilities on the Stateville property. A new Women's Correctional Facility may be built which will house 1200 incarcerated individuals, due to the closure of the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Illinois. The Plan also includes the construction of a new Men's Correctional Center which will house 1500 incarcerated individuals. This plan is projected to take three to five years to complete, which would benefit the City of Crest Hill for years to come. This is a fluid situation in which more discussion will need to take place in the future.

I look forward to continue making improvements and investing in our city's future in order to enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Please vote April 1, 2025 to re-elect Ray Soliman.

Investing in Crest Hill's Future