ESSEX, VT (ABC22/FOX44) - The debate over a new, women's only prison got heated Thursday night. The Essex Planning Commission ended a meeting abruptly during public comment, after officials talked over options.

According to Vermont's department of corrections, the current women's facility in South Burlington is overly expensive to maintain, with below average living conditions.

The new DOC Commissioner, Jon Murad, says of the two locations being considered, they're leaning towards an area off route 117 near North Williston Road.

"This is an example of growth that we need. We need to take a look at the existing facility in South Burlington and find a way to create a building that is going to better, it is going to be more in line with the best practices as they're evolving," says Murad.

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