PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The board of the recently closed Hampton Roads Regional Jail (HRRJ) has voted unanimously to allow the facility to be sold to Portsmouth Wednesday.
The vote will also allow the board's president to execute a sales agreement, board Chairman Bob Geiss told 13News Now.
The board's vote comes less than a month after the closure of the jail, which served five Hampton Roads cities for 25 years.
Geiss told 13News Now in October 2023 staffing challenges and fewer inmates played big roles in the decision. The jail also fell under scrutiny over the deaths of multiple over the years.
13News Now previously reported Portsmouth leaders expressed interest in buying the facility, which is based in the city.
Portsmouth Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke previously told 13News Now that buying the jail would give the city new options.
"Our jail is currently on the waterfront, and we need to be able to offer that to a prime developer and see if they can develop our waterfront into something beautiful that will be able to attract visitors," Lucas-Burke said last fall.
After Wednesday's vote, the board president and Portsmouth city manager will need to sign the agreement, which will be followed by a Portsmouth City Council vote.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.