Governor suggests prison land for housing

Two state departments released an interactive map Aug. 27, identifying state-owned sites for potential affordable housing development, and Folsom State Prison's entrance land is among the sites in Sacramento County. The California Department of General Services (DGS) and Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) created the map, which was created through an executive order from Governor Gavin Newsom issued in January, and shows dozens of parcels considered suitable for housing throughout the state. This executive order was part of his push to create more affordable housing in California, according to Jennifer Iida, of DGS, and Alicia Murillo, of HCD. "State properties that were under-utilized or excess to need were identified and then screened to determine which sites would be potentially suitable for affordable housing development," read a release from the departments. "The screening tools included such factors as relative size, proximity to schools, transportation and amenities, and general location to determine which sites have a better chance of being successfully developed." The land at the entrance of Folsom State Prison is 48.71 acres of undeveloped, fairly flat land. Folsom Mayor Kerri Howell said this idea is interesting. "It's a very interesting idea; however, prisons are designed to have space around them for the security of the neighborhood, as well as to allow the employees of the prison to watch over the prisoners. Land around Folsom Prison was obtained for that purpose," Howell said. "I would be very surprised if anyone at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or any of the employees at Folsom Prison would think this is a good idea." Howell also mentioned it's not a good idea for housing to encroach on the prison's razor wiring. In September, DGS, in consultation with HCD, will begin issuing requests for proposals to begin developing affordable housing on selected sites. According to the release, not every property on the map will be developed – it simply shows properties with potential. To look at the map, click here.