Diaz & Community Leaders Protest Mott Haven Jail Proposal

Diaz & Community Leaders Protest Mott Haven Jail Proposal|Diaz & Community Leaders Protest Mott Haven Jail Proposal|Diaz & Community Leaders Protest Mott Haven Jail Proposal|Diaz & Community Leaders Protest Mott Haven Jail Proposal
Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell|Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell|Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell|Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. joined Diego Beekman Houses tenants and community leaders from across the city on Sunday, March 24 on the steps of City Hall to oppose the proposed Mott Haven Jail. During the rally, Diaz called on Mayor de Blasio to cease the certification of the the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure for the proposed jail site at 320 Concord Avenue. The site is currently operated as a tow yard, and is the former location of Lincoln Hospital, in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Mott Haven. Diaz and those assembled at the event called on the mayor to select a better site for the jail, specifically the existing Bronx Family Court location and additional vacant space next to the Bronx Hall of Justice on East 161st Street.

Arline Parks (r), Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association CEO, while Diaz addressed protesters.
Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell

Michael Brady (front, c), Third Avenue Business Improvement District executive director, said the mayor’s borough-based jail plan is misguided and does not include input from community leaders and residents.
Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell

Residents held signs expressing their opposition to the siting of a new jail in the Mott Haven.
Schneps Media/Alex Mitchell