PLATTSBURGH, N.Y (WCAX) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul is responding to concerns that a proposal could close another five state prisons.
The governor on Tuesday pointed to a drop of nearly 40,000 inmates in state prisons over the past 25 years, adding that any staff impacted by additional closures will relocated. However, she acknowledged that potential closures could be tough on upstate communities.
“That’s the transition that is hard for communities. I get that, but also in the long term, we could have a mixed-use community with not just housing but retail, housing, and supportive services. So, there is potential and I want people to just be… if they can just be open-minded to the possibilities and know their governor is committed to getting the best result out of the properties in the long term,” she said.
North Country lawmakers have pushed back against the proposal, saying they believe the focus should be on safety inside correctional facilities.
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