South Bronx Leaders Condemn Council Vote Approving Unjust Jail

BRONX, NY (10/17/2019) (readMedia)-- South Bronx leaders condemned the New York City Council's vote today to site a massive, unjust jail in Mott Haven, a low-income community of color.

"This is a dark day for Mott Haven and the South Bronx. Today, the City Council and the Mayor sacrificed a low-income community of color for a political win, voting to saddle it with an unjust jail. But this is not over. This jail is still years away from being built--and we will continue to fight it in court and at the ballot box," said Arline Parks CEO of Diego Beekman. "We want to thank all of our supporters -- Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr., Congressman Serrano, Assemblywoman Arroyo and Community Board 1 -- for their leadership. We will remember those who supported us and those who betrayed us."

Over the last year, since the City announced its plan to build the mega-jail in Mott Haven, South Bronx leaders have consistently opposed the plan. Bronx Community Board 1 voted unanimously against the jail proposal and Bronx Borough President Diaz rejected the plan, stating that the City had not listened to community concerns and that the jail should be sited next to the Bronx courthouse instead. Rep. Serrano and other elected officials representing the Bronx have also demanded the plan be scrapped. The City Council Land Use Committee chair, Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., also came out against the Bronx site, condemning its location and the flawed process that led to its selection by the City.

Mott Haven community leaders also filed a lawsuit against the City earlier this year, charging that the City broke the law by packaging four new proposed borough jail sites into one land use proposal, instead of individually. The lawsuit, which is still pending in court, also accuses the de Blasio Administration of putting political expediency over the needs of the Mott Haven community.