The closing of Downstate Corrections Facility is disturbing.  Closing this particular facility is ill advised for New York taxpayers. Cost savings due to decreased prisoner population and the need to close facilities is understandable. The biggest question is WHY DOWNSTATE?
What other LOCATION offers all of the functions that Downstate already accomplishes.  It receives and classifies incarcerated individuals from at least 12 different counties for processing and reassigning to other State facilities. It is centrally located to 684/I84, the Taconic Parkway, the NYS Thruway, and Metro North to transport or receive prisoners to or from NYC or other NYS prisons. 

What other location is a secure ICE facility where hearings occur for the detainees, saving time and money; is close enough to allow for prisoners’ families and friends to visit as mandated by NY State’s April’s Law; offers habilitative services to prepare released prisoners for employment?

Were studies done by the State indicating the costs vs. the cost savings of closing this location?  Many local business and suppliers will be adversely affected. And what about the corrections officers and civil service employees who will need to find employment elsewhere, move their families, and have their children leave their schools?  What cost to the taxpayer to relocate the 600+ State paid Downstate employees?

Contact your legislators to demand answers as to why this prison, one of only 3 reception and classification facilities in the state, is being closed only with 90 days’ notice to all.