Heated listening session held for Bronx jail proposal

<p>Mott Haven residents got a chance to weigh in on a proposed jail site that has received a lot of backlash.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 19, 2018, 12:23 AM

Updated 2,052 days ago

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Mott Haven residents got a chance to weigh in on a proposed jail site that has received a lot of backlash.
Things got heated during the meeting at Betances Community Center, just blocks away from the proposed location. Several community members used their chance to speak as the city took comments from residents.
The city wants to shut down Rikers Island and break the prison into four smaller correctional facilities. City officials say the facilities will be safer, more efficient and more humane.
The proposed sites would be in each borough except Staten Island.
The Bronx's potential site would be between 141st and 142nd streets, where an NYPD tow pound currently is.
The city says it's proposing that location because it is city-owned land, close to courts and public transportation and has sufficient space. They also cite that crime did not increase in communities where the city built previous jails.
Many residents said that they wanted Rikers closed, but did not want to see a jail in their neighborhood.
There are several reviews left for the proposal left, including the community board and the borough president coming up later this year.


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