Public comment period starts for new, bigger Brooklyn House of Detention

Part of Plan to Close Rikers

August 17, 2018 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Brooklyn House of Detention, located on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, will have to nearly double in size to hold more inmates after Rikers Island closes. The public comment period on the mayor’s expansion plan has now begun. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

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On Wednesday, the de Blasio administration announced plans for building or rebuilding four modern, “community-based” jails throughout the city to replace Rikers Island, including one in Downtown Brooklyn.

Now the public comment period has begun, as part of the ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) process. The Scoping Period extends through Oct. 15.

The plan calls for the Brooklyn Detention Complex on Atlantic Avenue to be updated and nearly doubled in capacity, from 800 prisoners to roughly 1,510, with additional safety, security and health measures built in. It includes parking spaces, a community space and ground-floor retail element, plus on-site support services.

While the plan has drawn mixed reactions, Councilmember Stephen Levin, whose district includes the prison, has maintained support, Brooklyn Eagle’ Rob Abruzzese reported on Wednesday.

“We have an opportunity to create more just, better integrated, and safer facilities close to courts, community services and transportation,” Levin said. “I look forward to robust engagement with the administration and the community to reimagine 21st-century facilities in Downtown Brooklyn.”

The NYC Department of Correction (DOC) has released documents related to the project’s environmental assessment. They are available at: https://a002-ceqraccess.nyc.gov/ceqr/ProjectInformation/ProjectDetail/13546-18DOC001Y#b

Public meetings have been scheduled in each of the four boroughs receiving new jails. Brooklyn’s meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 at P.S. 133 (William A. Butler School), 610 Baltic St. (at 4th Avenue).

DOC will also accept written comments on the Draft Scope of Work, which can be emailed to emailed to [email protected] or submitted to:

Howard Judd Fiedler, A.I.A.

Administrative Architect

Director of Design Unit

NYC Department of Correction

75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 160

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

The ULURP process includes hearings and recommendations by Community Board 2, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, the City Council and the City Planning Commission.