David Yassky

When Mayor Bloomberg's Administration moved to close the Brooklyn House of Detention in 2003, it made the right call. For too long, the jail had stood over the area as an impediment to growth and community development. The Department of Corrections was smart to cut costs by moving BHOD inmates to Riker's Island.

Since that time, Downtown Brooklyn has exploded with new development, becoming one of the fastest growing residential and business districts in the entire City.

But now, just when things are going well for Downtown Brooklyn, the Department of Corrections is threatening to reopen the BHOD and double its size through a costly renovation that will hurt development and impact the character of the neighborhood. This move is wrong, and I don't support it.

That's why I'm joining with Councilmember David Yassky to ask the Department of Corrections to cancel plans to reopen and expand the Brooklyn House of Detention!