The Essex town planning commission denied a zoning request from the state that would have advanced plans to build a new women’s prison.

The decision, the latest roadblock in state attempts to build new secure facilities for adults and juveniles , may force officials back to the drawing board as they evaluate how to address ongoing challenges with Vermont’s existing women’s prison, which is overcrowded and in need of significant repairs.

“I’m not against the concept of a prison,” Joshua Knox, the commission’s chair, said at the Thursday night meeting before the vote. But he and other members felt the state was unable to make key promises, such as ensuring public transportation near the potential facility. “I want that to be locked in and decided,” he said.

All commission members castin

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