Yesterday’s decision in State Supreme Court regarding the future of the Brooklyn House of Detention had something in it for both sides: The city expressed pleasure with the ruling that allows it to resume operating the 759-bed jail as it did prior to closing it in 2003. (It’s been operating it on at a reduced capacity since last November.) Neighborhood activists and politicians who have been speaking out against the city’s plan to double the jail’s capacity in a half-billion-dollar build-out were happy with the part of the decision that required any future expansion to be prefaced by environmental and land use reviews. The lawyer for the opponents, Randy Mastro, called the ruling a huge victory for the community and a vindication of its right to meaningful public input before the city commits itself to such massive projects. Opposition group Stop BHOD and other community groups and public officials will be holding a protest on the steps of City Hall tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
Court Allows Brooklyn Jail to Reopen [NY Times]
Judge Clears Reopening of Brooklyn Jail [NYT/City Room]
Brooklyn House of Detention Can Reopen, Judge Rules [NY Daily News]
Judge: City can reopen House of D [Brooklyn Paper]
Judge Reopens Jail Doors [Brooklyn Eagle]