Camp J, a former disciplinary facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, has been used to quarantine prisoners from across the state, a move that has generated criticism from civil rights groups.
Prisoners have alleged that they have been kept in hot cells for 23 hours per day and abused by prison staff.
The suit accused New Orleans prosecutors of violating the civil rights of witnesses.
Public defenders push for return to virtual court until surge subsides.
The council advanced a motion asking the City Planning Commission to study an alternative to Phase III, even though the director of the City Planning Commission said it likely isn't necessary.
Prisoners participating in the action described a lack of mental health and medical care, being denied access to their families and attorneys and being exposed to extreme temperatures.
Cantrell administration hoped to delay work on the facility, which it opposes, pending an appeal of a January court order to move forward with it.
Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed sued the state parole board after it rescinded his release order, charging that the board and its director ignored procedure and law to retaliate against him for going public with his case.
The city has been ordered to move forward with construction of the facility, but that will require the City Council’s approval.
The City Council is poised to vote on a resolution signaling support for a retrofit of the current jail, rather than the controversial Phase III building.
