Community Dialogue with City Hall on Planned Mega Jail Continues

/

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.