Philly prison plot purchase on hold

A measure calling for a down payment on land for a potential new prison in Northeast Philadelphia has been put on hold.

Before City Council’s Thursday meeting, Councilman Bobby Henon was ready to move forward on a bill to purchase a piece of land near Philadelphia’s prison complex to build a replacement facility for one that’s crumbling.  But Henon pulled the bill off the calendar.

“One of the [Council] members had a few questions, and, out of respect and courtesy of my colleague, I decided to hold it one week,” he said.

But the bill will be up for vote soon.

“It lives another week, as they say, and I look forward to next week and calling it up for a vote,” Henon said.

Next week is expected to be City Council’s final session before a summer recess. 

Democratic mayoral nominee Jim Kenney has also questioned the project, but Henon says those questions have been answered.