The public was invited to attend a public hearing Monday night, so City Council could hear their thoughts on a newly proposed prison. Many people who live near the proposed building area say they don't want a prison in their neighborhood.

The proposed site of the prison is near the intersection of Pueblo Boulevard and 24th Street, not far from the Nature Center.

City leaders say building the new prison would be good for Pueblo, in that it will bring in many jobs. Not only the people who would be hired to work at the facility, but they have also asked that all of the construction jobs come from the Pueblo workforce.

The medium security facility would house 750 inmates and employ about 160 people to start with.

The cost to build the prison is estimated at around $45 million.

Because the land is in Pueblo County, but not actually in Pueblo, the land needs to be annexed so the prison has access to city services.

Pueblo City Council will make their decision afte they hear from supporters and opponents.

If City Council does vote to annex the land, construction could begin as early as next fall.