Bronx Leaders Furious as Mayor Moves Ahead with Unjust Jail Plan

BRONX, NY (03/14/2019) (readMedia)-- Mott Haven leaders slammed Mayor de Blasio's decision today to go ahead with his unjust plan to build a massive jail in a low-income community of color in the Bronx after his administration announced they would begin a land use process to site the jail on March 25.

"We have been demanding the mayor and City Council change their unjust jail plan for the better part of a year, and we have not heard one word from them, nor seen any meaningful community engagement whatsoever," said Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association CEO Arline Parks. "The fact that the mayor would go ahead with siting a massive jail in a low-income community of color on a piece of land meant for community-based development is the final piece of proof that he doesn't care about our community and people like us. The City clearly does not respect the rights of Mott Haven residents."

One official is support of moving the Bronx jail site, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also condemned the mayor's decision today.

"The City has chosen the wrong site for the jail, despite a much better location existing adjacent to the Bronx Hall of Justice," Borough President Diaz said. "In addition, the city has gone out of its way to not only diminish but outright ignore community input into the siting of the proposed jail in Mott Haven. That is unacceptable. We must close and replace Rikers Island the right way, and that starts with picking the correct site for a new jail in The Bronx."