The plan to build a modern prison on Uzinelor Street 251, in the Ciocana district of the capital, continues to spark intense debates. Local residents, supported by a petition signed by hundreds of people, express concerns about the potential impact this construction could have on the community, IPN reports.

"We are deeply concerned about the risks to public security. The proximity to residential areas, such as Bubuieci, amplifies fears about potential escapes and violent incidents," say the petition signatories.

Among the concerns raised are the negative impact on local infrastructure. Residents fear that the traffic generated by prison activities will overwhelm the road network, and the increased demand for utilities will affect the quality of services in the area.

Noise and visual pollution, devaluation of property values, and the stigmatization of the community are other reasons that have led petition signatories to demand a reassessment of the prison’s location.

"We don’t want this area to be associated with a prison. We want development that benefits the community, not degrades it," said a Ciocana resident.

The new prison, planned to replace Penitentiary No. 13, is presented by authorities as a necessity. The current building, built in 1850, has repeatedly been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights for inhumane detention conditions.

Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru explained that the project is essential for modernizing the prison system: "The new prison will respect international human rights standards and will provide decent conditions, including facilities for the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners".

The project, managed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), will have a capacity of 1,050 places, modern security systems, and the use of renewable energy sources. The allocated budget is 39 million euros, and the completion deadline has been extended until the end of 2028.

Despite the authorities' arguments, residents are calling for transparent public consultations and a detailed impact study. "We request that the community’s voice be heard. It’s not just about a building, it’s about the quality of our lives," stressed the petition signatories.

The petitioners urge the authorities to reassess the proposed location for the new prison on Uzinelor Street 251, and to identify an alternative location, far from residential areas. They also call for transparent public consultations to ensure that citizens are actively involved in the decision-making process and that the community’s concerns are respected. Furthermore, they insist that a detailed impact study be conducted and published, evaluating the social, economic, and environmental effects of the project.

According to the petitioners, the placement of a prison near residential areas poses major risks to public safety, affects local infrastructure, and diminishes the quality of life in the community. In this context, residents firmly oppose the project and urge authorities to act in the citizens’ best interest by promoting harmonious urban development.