New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. joins New York City Council Member David Yassky and other elected officials at a news conference in Brooklyn on Thursday, June 26, 2008 to voice opposition to the City's proposed re-opening and expansion of the Brooklyn House of Detention. Pictured (l to r) are: New York City Council Member David Yassky; Thompson; New York State Senator Martin Connor; and, Randy Mastro, partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, which is representing community group Stop BHOD. Photo credit: Marla S. Maritzer

View Thompson's April Letter to Mayor Bloomberg

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. joined with elected officials and community activists on June 26 th to protest the City’s plan to re-open and expand the Brooklyn House of Detention.

At the rally and news conference, held in front of the building on Atlantic Avenue, Thompson called attention to the revitalization that the Downtown Brooklyn area has underwent since the City shuddered the jail in 2003.

“Since the closure of the Brooklyn House of Detention in 2003, more than 700 people have moved in to the surrounding area, spurring economic growth and creating a vibrant community,” Thompson said.  “Re-opening and expanding this facility will cause stagnation in one of the areas of our City currently experiencing an economic revitalization.  I am once again urging the Corrections Department to sell this property and feed the growth that has created one of the most economically expanding communities in New York City.”

Comptroller Thompson recently issued a letter to the City voicing his concerns of re-opening the facility.  He cited numerous problems and advocating selling the building to a private developer in order to continue to grow the local economy.

“The DOC has not provided us with any feasible data that backs up their plan.  In addition, it seems that the concerns of an entire community are being brushed to the side,” said Thompson.

Comptroller Thompson was joined at the rally by Councilman David Yassky, State Senator Martin Connor, Assembly Member Joan Millman, and members from community groups Stop BHOD and the BHOD Stakeholders Group, along with partner at law firm Gibson Dunn and Crutcher, which is representing Stop BHOD, Randy Mastro.

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