Split Decision on House of Detention
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…
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]
A lot of people who have actually lived in the neighborhood for more than 10 min agree with bxgrl and what on this. The neighborhood improved with the HOD there and open. And then developers stepped in to take advantage of it with the “luxury” condo boom.
quote:
So if not there then where? Who’s backyard should it be in? If it will have a negative impact who’s area would you like to see impacted
tear down the bank on the corner of 5th avenue and 1st street. stick it there. right next to me! scaredy cats.
*r*
why are you people tormenting me??????
ALERT * ALERT * ALERT * ALERT * ALERT *
MM, bxgrl and The What AGREE! FULL STOP!
ALERT THE MEDIA! FULL STOP!
As the universe gasps in shock, I also have to agree with the What, here. Bxgrl and others are also right, aside from being a fugly building, the BHOD has not been a source of contention to the safety or quality of life there. It makes perfect sense for it to be there, and it should remain there.
WOW…bxgrl & What essentially agreeing. This is reasonenough for a party!!!!
oof! crappy typing- sorry about the misspellings.
Vanessa, I think you might be right.
bklyngent-
If the HOD had such a negative impact on the area explain to me how those neighborhoods have still mamnaged to become among the most expensive and desirable in NYC? I watched my neighborhood change over the years- always improving. No one gave a rat’s ass for the BHOD because it had no ral impact. Especially not on real estate values. So yours is a false argument. Its not as if the BHOD was plopped down 5 months ago. In fact vistors and staff have long supported local businesses because they patronize eateries and other stores in the neighborhood.
The idea that the real estate is so valuable the HOD should be moved to a neighborhood with lesser values begs the question- you mean it’s OK to put it in a poorer neighborhood? My present neighborhood already has far more than its fair share of city services, many of them on residential, family occupied blocks.
Many arguments have been made re transport and proximity to the courts. I think you should go back and read them because they are valid.