N.Y. launches Prison Redevelopment Commission

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the Prison Redevelopment Commission focused on reimagining closed prisons for redevelopment opportunities. The fifteen-member panel is comprised of leading experts across real estate, community and economic development, criminal justice reform, and government, state officials said in announcing the commission May 23. "As New York continues to move forward, we are looking at ways to revitalize our economy, including reimagining shuttered state prison properties as hubs of regional opportunity," Gov. Hochul said. "As I promised in my State of the State, I have created a commission of public and private sector leaders, as well as economic development experts from around the country, to best connect our industry and workforce goals with action plans that will both save taxpayer money and bring these buildings to new life as economic engines." The closures identified by Gov. Hochul in the fall of 2022 are in addition to the more than 20 that have been closed over the last 15 years. Department of Corrections and Community Services Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci said, "During the Department's expansion in the early 1990's, communities across New York welcomed the development of new prisons. Today, as the incarcerated population declines and correctional facilities close, it is critical that we identify reuses for these properties to support the communities that accepted the facilities decades ago." The commission includes leadership from state agencies as well as foundations, regional leaders and stakeholders, and economic development experts who will be focused on developing an action plan to turn empty prisons, many of which were job centers in their rural communities, into opportunities for communities to thrive. The commission's first meeting was held May 23. Members of the commission are: -Anthony Annucci, Acting Commissioner, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision -Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation -Jeanette Moy, Commissioner, Office of General Services -Robert Mujica, Director, New York State Division of Budget -Roberta Reardon, Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor -Steve Acquario, Executive Director, New York State Association of Counties -Deborah Berke, Founding Partner, Deborah Berke Partners -Heather Briccetti, President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State -Jeff Buell, Principal, Redburn Development -David Buicko, President and CEO, Galesi Group -Penny Hill, Dean for Economic Development and Workforce Initiatives, Hudson Valley Community College -Christa Hines, Executive Director, Hudson River Housing -Stanley Richards, Deputy CEO, Fortune Society -Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council -Deanna Van Buren, Founder, Designing Justice and Designing Spaces The commission will convene throughout this year to engage in policy discussions, hear presentations from industry experts, and identify areas for deeper analysis. To help inform the commission's analysis, officials will engage with stakeholders representing each prison's region for local feedback and perspective on future uses for the facilities that meet the area's needs. Following this process, the commission will produce a public report, including recommendations for next steps.

Signup for our newsletter

N.Y. launches Prison Redevelopment Commission

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS