City Planning Commission to Consider de Blasio's Controversial Jail After Bronx BP Rejects Plan, Leaders File

Opponents will descend on Commission's public hearing before key vote to site massive jail in low-income community of color

NEW YORK (07/10/2019) (readMedia)-- Opponents of Mayor de Blasio's plan to site a massive jail in a low-income community of color in the Bronx will descend Wednesday on a public hearing hosted by the City Planning Commission (CPC). The Commission is set to hold a key vote on the controversial Mott Haven jail and other new borough jails next month, following the Bronx Borough President's rejection of the plan and a lawsuit brought by community leaders.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. recommended against the Mott Haven jail last week as part of the city land use process, stating that the City has not listened to community concerns and calling for a new plan that sites the jail next to the Bronx Family Court and Bronx Hall of Justice. His decision follows a unanimous no vote from Bronx Community Board 1. Mott Haven leaders also filed a lawsuit last month, charging that the City has engaged in an illegal land use process in order to quickly site these jails while ignoring the concerns of a low-income community of color.

Opponents will argue on Wednesday at the Commission hearing that the City should instead be investing in a mixed-use housing development at the proposed jail site. They will also continue to express public safety concerns. Community members who cannot attend in person can submit online testimony here.

WHO:

Mott Haven Community members and leaders

WHAT:

 City Planning Comission Public Hearing

WHEN: Wednesday July 10, 2019 at 10:00AM Hawaii
WHERE: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Gerald W. Lynch Theatre
524 West 59th Street
New York
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