House of Detention Back on Radar, Bigtime
While the possibility has been floated a few times over the past year or so, today’s NY Times article on the likely reopening of the Brooklyn House of Detention on Atlantic Avenue in downtown Brooklyn takes the situation from Def Con 1 to Def Con 3 in a single day. Evidently, the inmate population has…
While the possibility has been floated a few times over the past year or so, today’s NY Times article on the likely reopening of the Brooklyn House of Detention on Atlantic Avenue in downtown Brooklyn takes the situation from Def Con 1 to Def Con 3 in a single day. Evidently, the inmate population has been swelling much faster than anticipated and, if current trends persist, could reach a tipping point by Summer that would necessitate reopening the 760-bed jail. Not surprisingly, some residents ain’t thrilled by the idea. “We really would prefer it not to open,” said Sue Wolfe, president of the Boerum Hill Association, adding, “It hurts the merchants; it hurts the people that live and work here.” How much of The Smith is already sold and what kind of impact will this news have? It’s our sense that everyone knew this was a possibility but that most didn’t think the city would really throw such a wrench into the gentrification boom.
Brooklyn Jail May Reopen [NY Times]
Kensington- re 75Smith…the windows of the jail mostly face north and south with no view toward Smith Street. And the distance across Smith Street from the jail is much greater than across Pacific – and probably not within earshot or view.
I lived at 251 Pacific for 15 years and can verify the catcalls and commentary from the inmates whenever I was up on my roof garden. There is a rec area on the jail roof, so it’s not just the guys whose cells face your direction. Even if I was into sunbathing, I wouldn’t do it on my old roof for that reason. Obviously, since they are locked up, the inmates aren’t technically dangerous and if they do break out they weren’t going to be dropping in on the places so close to the jail. And other the occasional 2:30am hollerings of “Get the bail-just get the bail!” the impact overall on the neighjborhood was limited. My biggest beef is the jail turned my residential street into a corrections officer parking lot.
But the constant commentary just got old- it was endless and I wasn’t scantily dressed, I was watering my plants. I don’t believe enjoying my garden is asking for it. Every roof party was interupted by it. The folks who have the penthouses at 75smith are definitely in for some “uninvited guests” at whatever soirees they throw. With the kind of money they are spending, they should’ve researched whether the jail was definitely closed. I’ve personally always felt that rumor was too good to be true. And I’d try to get out of buying one of those places-they’ll never enjoy the terrace they bought the place for. And it is very creepy to be watched all the time-especially when the peepers let you know at the top of their lungs that they’re doing it.
not trying to bother — just using as an example in responding to your comment “Not that I care but those people who bought nearby condos are going to be affected big time….Its one thing to look out your window and see a big ugly CLOSED jail, its another thing to look out your window and see a big ugly jail and know that some inmate is staring back at you (boy thats going to be uncomfortable)”
Since I didnt say it, why you bothering me????
I would assume (and I am sure you can figure out) the theory being that a luxury condo next to an operating jail is worth less than a condo next to a non-operating jail.
I certainly cant predict if this theory is going to come true, but for those apts facing the jail – for sure I would be uncomfortable watching my 50″ HDTV Plasma, knowing that a bunch of inmates are looking over my shoulder and definitly I would be upset if my wife forgot to pull down the shade before stepping out of the shower and flashed her naked body to 1/2 of brooklyn’s criminal population…could be just me though
David 12:45 – nope, not a troll. just wondering since people keep throwing out the “property values will go down” for the Smith, etc etc… but what about the units at the Smith that are nearby to the HOD, but don’t actually face it? those people will not look out their window and see perps. so why should they pull out as 9:38 said…
Anon 12:28 are you a troll or just on the slow side??
If you dont face the BHofD then its reopening won’t affect your ‘views’
10:26 – Re: your comment about neighbors staring at inmayes thru their apt windows — I live in a building close to the HOD but my apartment doesn’t face it, in fact I have quite a lovely view west, with some pretty gorgeous evening light. Can’t see a lick of the HOD out my windows. Am I doomed too?
I live in the neighborhood would have liked something else there. While we always knew the jail could re-open, there is no harm in wishing for something else. When you make a list of amenities you’d like to see in your neighborhood, does it include a jail? I am sure the city keeps it there because a new jail would be next to impossible to site.
I would miss the Bad Apple Bail Bonds sign with the worm in prison stripes coming out of the apple.
Anon 11:43 did you even read the article before you went of on your tired rant against racist gentrifying yuppies:
The overwhelming ‘fear’ you are so hell bent on attacking amounted to these 2 comments:
“We really would prefer it not to open,” said Sue Wolfe, president of the Boerum Hill Association, adding, “It hurts the merchants; it hurts the people that live and work here.”
and
Judy Stanton, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, said a jail reopening would have a visceral impact on the area, with more Correction Department buses driving through, more inmates in handcuffs seen in the neighborhood, and more inmates’ family members arriving for visits. But she said her group could live with that.
Wow!!! These gentrifiers are practically Cortez; the local residents would “PREFER” not to have a jail nearby but could “live with it”. – how do they sleep at night!