Tolland Council To Discuss Setting Public Info Session On Potential Juvenile Detention Facility In Town

TOLLAND, CT — The Tolland Town Council next week will discuss setting up a public meeting to openly discuss the potential purchase of the Nerac campus by the state for a juvenile detention facility.

Meanwhile, despite an announcement Wednesday that the process has been out on a temporary hold, state Sen. Jeff Gordon is holding his ground on a Freedom of Information request for every document and communication associated with the move.

As far as the council is concerned, it is slated to meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 24. A special meeting has been proposed for March 3 at 7 p.m. to host the public information session. The council is likely to approve that date.

Here is the official agenda item:

"The Town of Tolland has become aware that the State of Connecticut is in the process of purchasing the property located at 303 Merrow Road for the purpose of housing a 20-bed juvenile detention facility for the REGIONS program. The purpose of this proposed Public Meeting is to provide the opportunity for residents to share feedback on this proposal. Representatives from the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch will also be invited to the meeting to provide information to the Town Council as appropriate."

In addition to the 300 block of Merrow Road, the Nerac property is also listed as 1 Technology Drive.

The situation came to a head when, as she was headed to the podium for a legislative Appropriations Committee meeting on Feb. 10, state Rep. Tammy Nuccio was handed a memo outlining the plan. Nuccio said state officials told her they didn't want to "blindside" her with the information, but added it had the opposite effect.

Nuccio then contacted Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley, who was also surprised.

The purchase agreement included a non-disclosure agreement. It was initially communicated that the deal was signed, but that wound up not being the case, Nuccio said.

Three days later — at 3 p.m. last Friday, the Judicial Department said it sent an explanation to the media, though not every outlet received it. An hour later, area legislators received it.

On Tuesday, Gordon forwarded the document to Patch.

Gordon was irate that he received it after the close of business before a long holiday weekend and filed a Freedom of Information request for all correspondence and documentation regarding the plan. He said Thursday, despite the announcement that the plan was on a temporary hold, he has no plans to withdraw the request.

"My request is valid and I haven't budged on it. Let's see what we can get," Gordon said. "I do appreciate the governor's office hosting the meeting on Wednesday. It was a good airing of issues."

Gordon then added, "I also made it clear that the process stunk."

The local legislative contingent, along with Foley wanted the pause for a series of comprehensive evaluations, including:

• The potential economic impact of removing a valuable commercial property from
• Tolland’s business corridor.
• A full public safety assessment, including the facility’s proximity to daycare centers,
• residences, and "other community assets."
• Clarification on operational details, security measures and "long-term implications for the
• town."
• Infrastructure impacts, including water, sewer and traffic
• A Connecticut General Assembly evaluation

The veteran lawmakers and Foley said they also received "assurances from the Governor's Office
that local officials will be kept informed as this process moves forward."

The delegation, however, emphasized that, "This is a temporary halt, not a final resolution," and pledged to "remain actively engaged throughout the evaluation process."

The 20-bed facility would be part of the CT REGIONS Secure Treatment Program, a therapeutic, staff-secure residential program for court-involved youth (primarily boys aged 14 through 18) operated by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. It offers community-based treatment for six to 12 months, focusing on "trauma-informed care, education, and skill-building to facilitate successful community reintegration."