Court Hears Both Sides of House of Detention Debate

Last we heard on the House of Detention issue, Comptroller Thompson had rejected the architectural contract for renovating the jail because it had swelled from $16 million to $31 million; two weeks earlier, the State Supreme Court had ruled that the city could reopen the facility but could not renovate or expand it without performing both a land use review and an environmental review. Yesterday, reports the Brooklyn Eagle, lawyers for the city and the group opposing the reopening and expansion, Stop BHOD, were back in court for a discovery session, where they ended up arguing specifically about the issue of architectural fees. The city claimed that it couldn't do the reviews the court asked it to do without spending millions on preliminary architectural plans first. "It defies common sense to prematurely toss money into a project that has been halted by the courts, is completely unnecessary, and may never be built,” commented Council Member Bill De Blasio. "We can’t get to a place to do those reviews without a preliminary design,” pleased city attorney Christopher King. The case was adjourned until July 9.
Architecture, Discovery Bring HOD Lawsuit Back to Court [Brooklyn Eagle]
Thompson Tosses HOD Architects for Second Time [Brownstoner]
Split Decision on House of Detention [Brownstoner] GMAP
Comptroller Blocks House of Detention Expansion [Brownstoner]
Supreme Court Weighs House of Detention Re-Opening [Brownstoner]
Closing Bell: HOD Rally Coming Next Week [Brownstoner]
Inside the Brooklyn House of Detention [Brownstoner]
Not Enough Cash for the HOD [Brownstoner]
HOD Re-Opens for Business [Brownstoner]
Saying No to House of D [Brownstoner]

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Is that the most hideous monstrosity of a building ever?
It is the architectural equivalent of Frankenstein's monster. Can someone drive a stake through its heart or do whatever it takes to kill it?

Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:28 AM

It's a freakin' jail, throw some paint on the walls and put it back in service. And boo-hoo to anyone that complains that "people" live right next door, the jail was there first.

Posted by: bmfesq at June 26, 2009 10:35 AM

bmfesq - areas change. Just because something was in that location in the 50's doesnt mean it should always be there. Areas change and evolve. Rikers Island is the answer...

Posted by: THAL at June 26, 2009 11:12 AM

being incarcerated in this sputnik-era relic could be seen as cruel and unusual punishment. Can't we at least build a new jail that is safe and humane?

Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 12:13 PM

There is a reason the HOD is there- the courts. these guys are awaiting trial or resolution of their cases. Convicted criminals go to Rikers. Downtown is a civic center and the HOD has never ever been a problem (other than being ugly). I know- I lived around the corner for years.

Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 12:34 PM

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June 26, 2009

Court Hears Both Sides of House of Detention Debate

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