Beyond Bars: $49 million jail renovation raises questions about our jail system

Yes, prison is punishment, and maybe it shouldn't be so nice, but how does it ultimately impact our communities?

Critics of a $49 million renovation for the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail have accused the jail’s superintendent and board members of pushing the project forward with little public engagement and pushing out board members who’ve gotten in the way. Critics say adequate improvements could be made for much less and that public funds would be bett…