Brooklyn HOD to Reopen But Not Expand
There has been talk about reopening—and doubling the capacity of—the Brooklyn House of Detention on Atlantic Avenue for a few years now, as well adding creative uses like retail and a school to the ground floor. Yesterday an article in the New York Times reported that the HOD will in fact be reopened but will…
There has been talk about reopening—and doubling the capacity of—the Brooklyn House of Detention on Atlantic Avenue for a few years now, as well adding creative uses like retail and a school to the ground floor. Yesterday an article in the New York Times reported that the HOD will in fact be reopened but will not be expanded beyond its existing 759-bed capacity. The HOD has been closed since 2003, but nearby residents expressed by-now familiar quality of life concerns. Says Judy Stanton, the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Heights Association: “People who occupy apartments and houses nearby don’t enjoy looking down from their windows at prisoners in shackles and police cars and buses with wire.”
City Plans to Reopen, but Not Expand, Brooklyn Jail [NY Times]
Supreme Court Weighs House of Detention Re-Opening [Brownstoner]
Not Enough Cash for the HOD [Brownstoner]
HOD Reopens for Business [Brownstoner] GMAP
I rent a place immediately across state st. from this joint. Ours was one of the very first buildings started after the announcement that the prison was closing, so there are plenty of owners in the building who feel burned by the city (less so brokers, as they really were carrying through the city’s line at the time.) Largest bother thus far is that all the parking for blocks is already ALL police vehicles. And each time those PD vans back up they emit that loud beeping sound ALL THE TIME at all hours.
Recently there was a film crew inside filming something and I saw the lights on inside on of the higher floors for the first time. Needless to say, I did not expect just how easy it is to see inside the prison with the lights all the way on. Always looked like the walls were built of glass bricks that might obfuscate a human figure somewhat. Not so in the least. It is now clear that upon reopening we will all be treated to monitoring the movements and hand gestures of any and all inside the prison. I wonder what time lights out will be?
This place will never close and will be be given back to city for other uses as could NEVER be placed in area or anywhere in BK. Give it up folks. New townhouses sold for over 2.5mm a half block away.
Judy, put a sock in it already. Time to retire. You embarrass BK Heights everytime you are quoted. Please stop talking to the press. My family has lived in and around the Heights for over 100 years. Please move on!!!!!
Plus best to transport prisoners shortest possible period, have them close for family and legal visits.
These men and women inside are people too.
I admit, as a lifelong renter who has researched the hell of of pretty much every place I’ve lived, I can’t understand buying without doing the same.
Agree with Johnny. Lived around the corner for 5 years and the HoD was barely noticable during every day life. What’s the problem? The white busses stay around the areas immediate to their garage entrances. IMO it’s not even that bad an eyesore. Totally nondescript tower building. Those window screens look hella better than any public school atrocity. Personally I find the Court St movie theatre building more offensive.
The only really change I see happening is maybe a few more bail bond places will open up after a lot of them closed down but other than that, everyone’s quality of life will continue to be the same.
“People who occupy apartments and houses nearby don’t enjoy looking down from their windows at prisoners in shackles and police cars and buses with wire.”
Close the blinds.
Lived a block a way from this thing for 12 years. Aesthetic eyesore aside, a complete non-issue from quality of life perspective. Don’t remember a single problem associated with this place. And I’m sure a few bucks in the coffers of local lunch/dinner places . . . not to mention bail bondsmen 😉
Good. Why should we build more prison space when we have one sitting here, near to the courthouse?
Brokers told them it was closed forever? In the days of google, why would anyone believe a broker about this kind of thing?
I have spoken to several people who claim brokers told them the House of D’ was closed for good. Fair amount of bitterness in those conversations, like all recollections about oral representations made by brokers that turned out to be lies … I mean misunderstandings on the part of the licensed real estate professionals.