City Hall in Disarray: What's Next for Chinatown?

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As many of you have read, Mayor Eric Adams was indicted following a series of high-profile resignations within his administration. This upheaval raises significant concerns citywide, but the uncertainty surrounding the Manhattan Borough-Based Jail construction amplifies those worries for Chinatown.

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The already controversial project now faces even more questions about its future. As a community, we are heightened in concern over the lack of clarity regarding the project's next steps, especially given the legal turmoil impacting the Adams administration.

To that end, we have sent letters to all of our elected officials, urging them to seek clear answers on how the city intends to move forward responsibly with this plan. We have asked them to address how the project can continue without further disruption and protect the community’s interests.

Amid this political instability, we remain committed to pushing for transparency and ensuring that Chinatown bears the brunt of these changes with a clear, responsible plan in place.

Lippman 2.0: Revisiting Rikers and Borough-Based Jails

The city’s plan to close Rikers Island is behind schedule, prompting the Lippman Commission to reconvene with 17 new members.

JUDGE RANDALL ENG

The city’s plan to close Rikers Island is behind schedule, prompting the Lippman Commission to reconvene with 17 new members. Among them is Judge Randall Eng, whose career makes him ideal for this role.

As the first Asian American assistant prosecutor in New York, Eng later became Inspector General of NYC’s Correction Department, overseeing jail integrity. He was also the first Asian American judge in the state, eventually serving as presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department.

His extensive experience in jail reform and oversight is crucial to the Lippman Commission's work on Rikers and borough-based jails. For Chinatown, his appointment brings much-needed AAPI representation, especially as 25% of borough-based jails are planned in the area. His insight offers hope for fairer solutions that won’t disproportionately impact the community.

We have actively engaged with the Lippman Commission, advocating for a scaled-back "mega-jail" design in Manhattan. Judge Eng’s leadership will ensure the plan is transparent, equitable, and just, protecting Chinatown from an unfair burden while presenting solutions that remove detainees from danger faster than the current plan. NOTE: The Lippmann Commission has said that they expect to present their new report to the Mayor as early as the week of Oct. 14th 2024.

A Call for Accountability in Borough-Based Jail Projects

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The tragic death of a 64-year-old construction worker at the Brooklyn Jail site in September 2023 due to inadequate safety measures highlights the need for greater worker protection. The worker’s family has since taken legal action, and OSHA is investigating the incident.

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Yon Chin Son (above) fell 18 feet through a hole that had been covered by loose planks (left and right) on Sept. 13th while he was removing asbestos on the 11th story of the old Brooklyn House of Detention on Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn Heights. He died three days later, and his family has filed notice to sue the city for $15 million for negligence in the tragedy.

Gramercy Group's demolition of the Manhattan Detention Complex in Chinatown has similarly posed risks. Their mishandling of the project caused significant damage to the nearby Chung Pak senior housing complex, leading to class-1 violations and stop-work orders. Gramercy’s failure to promptly report these issues, compounded by delayed and outdated air and sound monitoring reports, has only fueled the community’s frustration and concerns over health risks.

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The dismissive explanation that emissions are “harmless water vapor” echoes the false assurances given after 9/11, when Chinatown faced long-lasting health and environmental consequences. The community now demands independent monitoring of these projects to ensure transparency and safety.

The Troubling Tale of Gramercy Group

One of the companies central to these issues is Gramercy Group Inc., which secured the demolition contract for the Manhattan Detention Complex in December 2021.

Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy just 31 months prior, Gramercy was awarded this critical contract, raising serious concerns about the city’s procurement process. Gramercy’s track record includes legal disputes and financial issues—such as a lawsuit for incomplete work on a New Hyde Park pool and a $6.7 million liability from a project in Honolulu. How a company emerging from bankruptcy secured such a significant and sensitive contract is unclear, casting doubt on whether financial and legal histories were fully considered in the vetting process.

Corruption Allegations Cast a Shadow

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Gramercy’s rapid rise to secure the contract occurred amid an era of corruption allegations within the Eric Adams administration. Six months before and after the contract was awarded, multiple investigations into bribery schemes involving city officials and contractors were underway, including a Department of Buildings (DOB) scandal that saw over 24 individuals indicted for manipulating bids and accepting kickbacks. These events cast a cloud over the entire procurement process for city-led projects.

Although Gramercy has not been directly implicated in these bribery cases, the climate of corruption surrounding city contracts raises legitimate concerns about transparency. Was the process fair? Can we trust the integrity of these deals?

A Community Demanding Accountability

For Chinatown, the stakes are higher than ever. Residents have faced serious environmental and health impacts—especially after 9/11, when false assurances about air quality led to long-term health risks. Gramercy Group’s dismissive responses about emissions during the Manhattan Detention Complex demolition, calling them “harmless water vapor,” only deepened the community’s distrust.

We demand independent monitoring of future borough-based jail projects to ensure transparency, accountability, and the safety of workers and nearby residents. Chinatown and Brooklyn deserve more than apologies—they deserve protection and action.

Get Involved

If you have questions or want to get involved in Neighbors United Below Canal, please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we will continue to fight for the future of our neighborhood.

Mayor Eric Adams Addresses Chinatown's Concerns at Town Hall Meeting

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In our quest for community engagement and a voice in shaping our neighborhood's future, the recent Chinatown town hall held on August 10th, 2023, at PS2 proved to be a pivotal event. One of the highlights of the evening was Neighbors United Below Canal co-founder Jan Lee's question to Mayor Eric Adams.

Jan Lee addressed Mayor Adams with a timely question that echoed the concerns of our community: "Will we have a seat at the design table to ensure the right size, scale, and impact of the jail project, considering the increased criminal activity in our neighborhood?"

Mayor Adams responded with an acknowledgment of the challenges we face, especially regarding the criminal justice system and jail population. He highlighted that the jail population currently exceeds the capacity of the borough-based jails, emphasizing the complex nature of housing dangerous individuals. Adams reassured the attendees that they would indeed have a seat at the table and acknowledged the significance of collaboration with Councilman Marte, who has been vocal on this matter.

However, Mayor Adams also urged the community to rally together, encouraging us not to let Councilman Marte stand alone in this fight. He emphasized the need for unified efforts across council districts to address the problem holistically. Mayor Adams stressed that solutions must be found to prevent releasing potentially dangerous individuals back into our streets and stressed the need to engage with councilmembers who don’t have a jail in their municipalities.

This event highlighted the importance of securing our seat at the design table and engaging in a broader conversation about the future of our community. Mayor Adams' commitment to ensuring our input in the design process is a positive step forward. It underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration between community members, local leaders, and government officials to create a safe and vibrant Chinatown and, with the help of our elected officials, we are able to continue to engage with City Hall.

As we move forward, our focus remains on understanding the steps to achieve our goals and clarifying what it truly means to have a meaningful "seat at the table." Together, we aim to shape the future of our neighborhood while safeguarding the well-being of its residents.

The Importance of Influencing the Design

Though we are disappointed that the community’s plan for the jail site, adaptive reuse of the existing jail structures, was flatly refused by City Hall on Memorial Day of this summer, we must continue to demand a seat at the table to influence the design of the new jail. The process of designing a new jail in Chinatown presents an unparalleled opportunity for our community to exert its influence and advocate for a project that aligns with our unique needs, values, and future. Community involvement in shaping the design of the new jail, particularly considering the site's limitations, its impact on surrounding structures, and the necessity of a design that respects the scale and fabric of our neighborhood is a must.

A paramount consideration in the design process is the inherent constraints of the site itself. The fact that the site is open on only two sides inherently limits the flow and distribution of activity within the jail's premises. This limitation necessitates a design that maximizes functionality while respecting the available space. The community's input is invaluable here, as those who live and work in Chinatown understand the intricate nuances of space utilization in a way that outsiders might not. By actively participating in the design process, we can ensure that the jail's layout efficiently accommodates its purpose while minimizing disruptions to the surrounding area.

The age and fragility of the surrounding buildings constitute another crucial factor in design considerations. The neighboring structures have historical and cultural significance, serving as integral components of our neighborhood's identity. The community's participation in the design process can safeguard these buildings from damage during construction and ensure that the new jail harmoniously integrates with its surroundings. We must address the concerns raised by the presence of low-income housing, such as the Chung Pak building with its 80+ apartments, which resides within the jail's campus. The residents of this building deserve assurance that their lives will not be adversely affected by the construction or operation of the new facility.

A central concern shared by all is the scale and impact of the new jail. As a community deeply invested in the well-being of our neighborhood, we have a vested interest in a design that aligns with the aesthetics and character of Chinatown. An outsized or imposing structure would disrupt the visual harmony of the area and adversely affect both residents and businesses. Thus, our participation in the design process is essential to ensure that the new jail is appropriately scaled, respectful of the neighborhood's historic identity, and considerate of the needs and values of those who call Chinatown home.

The design of the new jail in Chinatown presents a unique opportunity for the community to exert its influence during the most critical stage in the process, the beginning,  and ensure a project that truly resonates with our aspirations. By taking into account the site's limitations, respecting the fragility of surrounding structures, and advocating for an appropriately scaled and impactful design, we can collaboratively shape the future of our neighborhood. Our involvement is not only crucial but essential, we need to create a jail that safeguards the essence of Chinatown while serving its purpose effectively. Through meaningful community influence, we can forge a future for all who reside within Chinatown and Little Italy.

A Seat at the Table

The question posed to the Mayor wasn't a mere request for “a seat at the table” ; it was more precisely a plea for a seat at the design table. This deliberate inclusion of the term "design" underscored the community's demand for meaningful influence in the creation of the new jail. Mere participation in discussions is insufficient; we aim to actively shape the design to ensure the new jail's appropriateness in terms of size, scale, and impact on our community.

The significance of securing a seat at the design table is profound. Our intention isn't merely to occupy any available position during discussions concerning the new jail. Instead, we seek an active role in determining the specifics of the design. This emphasis on "design" signifies our commitment to making sure the new jail is meticulously planned, fitting seamlessly within the fabric of our community. Our goal is to have an impactful say in how the jail's design aligns with our neighborhood's character, and how it minimizes its effects on our community's well-being.

The necessity of involvement from the outset cannot be overstated. Waiting until a contractor is selected and the City and contractor embark on their independent processes would compromise the integrity of our input. By the time this stage is reached, many of the critical design decisions may have already been made, leaving our community's voice unheard in the most vital phases of development. This is particularly pertinent considering the chosen "design build" approach for all four borough-based jails. To have a meaningful influence, our seat at the design table must be secured early on, shaping the project's trajectory right from its inception.

Requesting a seat at the design table is more than a simple petition for inclusion; it is a demand for an active role in shaping the very essence of the new jail. By ensuring our input from the earliest stages, we can work together to create a facility that respects our community's needs, maintains our neighborhood's integrity, and mitigates its impact. Our pursuit of a seat at the design table is a steadfast commitment to the future of Chinatown, where our voice contributes to the evolution of a project that reflects our values and aspirations. As for the Mayor’s agreement that indeed we will “have a seat at the table” we will have to fight to make sure that this is not an empty promise, or a perfunctory box to be checked.

Community Dialogue with City Hall on Planned Mega Jail Continues

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Update on Ongoing Discussions with New York City Leadership

Dear Community Members,

We want to update you on the ongoing discussions and continuing concerns surrounding the planned mega jail in Chinatown. Our main priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, including the detainees, while ensuring our opportunity to have a voice in the design and construction process.

Through the dedicated efforts of our elected officials, including Congressmember Dan Goldman, Borough President Mark Levine, Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assemblymember Grace Lee, and Councilmember Christopher Marte, we have secured meetings with City Hall, the Department of Design and Construction, and the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. These meetings have been instrumental in pursuing answers to many questions and our ongoing objectives.

Manhattan detention center demolition of gym - june 2023

Chung Pak Senior Center (right) / manhattan detention center north tower (left)

Here are highlights from the meetings with City Hall

  • We expressed concerns over prolonged impact of proposed jail construction in Chinatown, including risks to neighboring buildings, structural impacts of foundation work, quality of life and health impacts, and the negative effect on the local economy during and after construction.

  • We expressed that adaptively reusing the existing two jails at 124-125 White Street would be the better, safer, and faster way forward.

  • We requested a detailed plan outlining construction cost, timeline, and tangible data to support decisions against adaptive reuse.

  • The City acknowledged the difficulty in providing direct cost comparisons due to construction variables

  • We emphasized the importance of transparency in design plans, decision making, site work and potential community impact.

  • Demolition is proceeding as per contract schedule to avoid additional taxpayer costs

  • We expressed concerns regarding the safety of demolition and construction on the same site

  • We expressed our desire for transparency and clarity in the city's plans and decision-making process

  • We emphasized the importance of preserving historic and landmark designated buildings and involving State and City preservation agencies in the decision-making process.

  • We discussed the need for transparency to establish community trust, especially in the face of uncertainties or credibility issues.

  • We secured two periods of temporary pause in the demolition of areas that would prevent the adaptive reuse of the existing jails.

Our Asks

To ensure transparency and community involvement, we have presented three clear requests to City Hall:

  1. Full documentation that guarantees that demolition and new construction poses no health or safety risks.

  2. Appointment of an independent monitor to safeguard against irreversible damage and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

  3. Real community representation and input in the design process before any contracts are awarded, in other words a meaningful seat at the table.

Our asks are based on our original goals: to ensure transparency throughout this project, protect the health and safety of our community, and to influence the design and construction of the new jail in Chinatown.

  • Transparency: We have submitted a comprehensive list of questions to City Hall, demanding clear and satisfactory answers regarding the impact on community health and safety. Total demolition without addressing these concerns is unacceptable. We demand full transparency throughout the project.

  • Monitoring and Compliance: We firmly believe that an independent monitor is necessary to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and construction best practices. This measure holds the City and its contractors accountable and demonstrates a commitment to our community's well-being.

  • Design Concerns: We oppose the use of a design-build approach, as it excludes meaningful community input before a contract is awarded. Chinatown's unique needs, values, and concerns should not be disregarded. We urge the City to adopt a more inclusive method that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and respect for community input.

We remain steadfast in our opposition to the world's tallest jail being built in Chinatown and advocate for transparency, safety, and consideration for our unique circumstances.

We expect the City to honor its commitment to Chinatown and our communities and prioritize both the creation of a humane jail system and the well-being of our neighborhood and its residents. Anything less is unacceptable.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive for a better future for Chinatown, Little Italy, and other impacted communities.

We urge you to reach out to the elected officials who are working with us to achieve these goals to express your support and gratitude.

Congressman Daniel Goldman
(212) 822-7878
Contact Form Link

Senator Brian Kavanagh
(212) 298-5565
kavanagh@nysenate.gov

Assemblymember Grace Lee
(212) 312-1420
leeg@nyassembly.gov

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
(212) 669-8300
info@manhattanbp.nyc.gov

Councilmember Chris Marte
(212) 587-3159
District1@council.nyc.gov

Manhattan Detention Center Scaffold Erected

What else can you do to help?

Spread the word and stay informed by sharing this newsletter with your friends and family, following NUBC on social media, participating in community meetings, submitting a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, and reporting disruptions to your home or business.  

Manhattan Detention Complex Bridge Demolition does not signify the end of our efforts to save Chinatown

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On November 28th New York City Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) weekly bulletin listed the demolition of the Manhattan Detention Center bridge over White St. Plaza as part of its update.

This was the first time the demolition of the bridge, which connects the North and South towers of the Manhattan Detention Complex, was listed in a DDC weekly bulletin.

The bulletin indicates that the area around the bridge will be cleared, and demolition would begin on Dec. 1

As of Thursday, December 1, 2022 demolition of the bridge has indeed begun, and all the artwork on the bridge has been removed. Demolition work is proceeding on the bridge structure starting with the removal of the glass block windows, and the ceiling of the bridge is now penetrated.

Despite reaching this step in the demolition process – bridge demolition does NOT mean an end to our efforts to save Chinatown from the years-long full demolition of the North and South towers of the Manhattan Detention Complex. In fact, the bridge removal has been expected and in no way impedes the Community plans for the adaptive reuse of the two jail towers.

We continue to advocate for an alternative to the proposed mega-jail reflecting a common sense solution that avoids prolonged impacts on our community that will surely be jarring, disruptive, and dangerous. Our community is unified in our message and actions directed towards a “win-win” for criminal justice reforms and the preservation of our fragile community and its residents. 

NUBC and our local politicians continue our efforts in seeking support from the AAPI and Manhattan delegations in the city as well as state, and federal representatives. Building upon the existing jail, utilizing the innovative but proven method of adaptive reuse, is a win-win for Chinatown and an opportunity to protect our community while advancing the city’s vision for criminal justice reform and improved quality of life, both for Chinatown residents and detainees. The Community plan is also in full compliance with the City’s law of 2019 and therefore does not need the City Council to change the law.

Changes to the Manhattan Detention Complex can be done “as of right”.

DDC bulletin link: https://rikers.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/BBJ-MDSS-Weekly-Bulletin-11.28.22-to-12.2.22_.pdf

What you can  do right now:

  • Share this news with your network of friends and family, bloggers, vloggers and news contacts.

  • Share this @democracynow video segment : JAILSCRAPER VS CHINATOWN

  • Add your voice to your local electeds by letting them know adaptive reuse is the solution, call or email them today. Tag them in social media

  • Follow NUBC on Social Media: @NUBCNYC on twitter and Instagram, www.nubcnyc.com