A small white piece of paper taped to the side of the building, next to the visitors’ entrance says, “Lights out,” in bold black lettering. That little piece of paper might be telling the future of the building it is taped to.
The Brooklyn House of Detention, located on Atlantic Avenue between Boerum Place and Smith Street in Downtown Brooklyn, might be closed for good: lights out.
Earlier this month, New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson rejected the proposed contract submitted to him by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for the renovation of the Brooklyn House of Detention. The Comptroller’s office cited problems in documentation, in particular, the failure to explain the doubling of the cost of the project from the original estimate.
“A project of this magnitude must be taken seriously and our findings indicate that the city has lacked due diligence in this submission,” said Thompson in a letter to the DDC.
Thompson said he was also concerned about the added expenses in light of the recession. “As our city is faced with this recession, causing unemployment to rise and families to struggle to put food on their tables, this type of financial mismanagement sends the wrong message to New Yorkers,” Thompson said.
The DDC countered Thompson, saying that the original estimate was made before a detailed analysis of the scope and site conditions was made.
“The current estimate was prepared by DDC following a detailed, technical analysis of the actual conditions. DDC is preparing a thorough response to the Comptroller that addresses the issues raised, and we trust the contract will be approved,” said Matthew Monahan, Assistant Commissioner at DDC in his response to Comptroller Thompson’s letter.
Opinions of the Brooklyn House of Detention vary widely within the community. Some are indifferent to the outcome of the site.
“It would be bizarre to change it. Obviously if we need a detention center it should be opened but maybe there is a different space for it,” said Candice Nelson, 30. Nelson works at Callalilai, a clothing store across the street from the Detention Center.
Virginia Roberts, 42, said she thinks the building is out of place in the neighborhood. “It’s odd to have a house of detention here in this neighborhood and if they don’t need it something else should be done with it,” Roberts said. She was unsure, however, of what she would prefer the space to be used for.
Many in the community are very upset about the use of taxpayer money to renovate the center. “It’s a great waste of taxpayer money,” said Louise Neaderland, 68. “It’s a boondoggle, a dishonest scheme.” She suggested a better use of taxpayer money. “I think they should take the whole thing down and build a park,” Neaderland said.
Others felt that although the building is not attractive, it is necessary for the community.
“I know people are against it reopening, but not having a jail here is bad for the community,” said Matt Gaul, 35. Gaul is a lawyer, who lives in the neighborhood. “I think there needs to be a jail in Brooklyn. It hasn’t been intrusive and Riker’s (Island) shouldn’t be the first place someone who’s been arrested should go.”
“People have built around it and it hasn’t been a problem,” said Betty Teng, 33. “The community is thriving with or without the jail.”
Councilman David Yassky’s office and the Department of Corrections failed to respond to requests for statements.
