Word this week New York State is planning to close the Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Washington County, along with another maximum security prison in Sullivan County.
State Senator Dan Stec issued a statement calling it a devastating blow to the economy. About 600 workers will be reassigned to other state prisons in New York.
At least some of those workers live in neighboring Essex County. Assemblyman Matt Simpson also expressed disappointment, over the impact it will have on the corrections officers and staff. This year’s state budget allows Governor Kathy Hochul to close up to 5 prisons in all, although there’s no word yet if more closures could be coming.
Read Statements from State Senator Dan Stec and Assemblymen Matt Simpson and Billy Jones here:
Dan Stec: “I am extremely disappointed by the announcement that Great Meadow Correctional Facility will be closed within 90 days. Time and again, I’ve spoken out against prison closures and the continued dismantling of our criminal justice system. Today’s announcement is just another example of how our state continues to put criminals before law-abiding residents and law enforcement.
“DOCCS and the governor’s office love to tout declining prison population numbers. But that number continues to decline because of lax criminal justice policies and “reforms.” The state parole board continues to release murderers and other convicted violent felons back into communities and bail reform has ensured that many people who are arrested are able to evade penalty.
“Meanwhile our communities are left with closed, vacant prisons that are slowly turning into blight. But there’s a major human element involved. Great Meadow was home to 650 good-paying jobs for residents in our region. Neighboring Washington Correctional Facility only has 75 jobs available. That means that nearly 600 jobs and families are likely leaving our community. This is a devastating social and economic blow to the area.
“Instead of closing Great Meadow and letting it fall apart at the expense of taxpayers, the governor’s office needs to do the smart thing and ensure that this facility can serve as a source of economic opportunity for the region.”
Billy Jones: “My thoughts go out to the hardworking employees and communities impacted by these closures. Obviously, there is a sense of relief from the people who are employed by correctional facilities and the communities that could have been impacted in my district that there were no closures in Clinton, Essex or Franklin Counties.”
Matt Simpson: Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Lake George) expressed his dismay at Gov. Hochul’s decision to close the Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Communities such as Whitehall, Granville, Fort Ann and others in Washington County have been waiting with uncertainty since the spring when it was first announced by the Governor her intentions to close up to 5 prisons.
Traditionally, it’s required the state provide one-year’s notice to close down a correctional facility, a practice that has been in place to help affected employees transfer to other locations and responsibly transfer inmates. Gov. Hochul is unilaterally closing Great Meadow with only 90-days’ notice using authority granted to her as part of this year’s state budget.
The news breaks in the midst of severe summer storms and power outages with no post-closure plans for potential disruptions to local economies or the families that will be uprooted. Great Meadow Correctional Facility has been operating for over 100 years and has economically supported the surrounding communities and families for decades. More than 600 families will have to relocate as a result of today’s announcement.
“This is an unwise decision by the governor,” said Simpson. “Great Meadow Correctional Facility provides economic stability and support for families all over Washington County. This abrupt announcement and lack of any post-closure plans leaves local economies and the families dependent on this institution facing uncertainty. This decision overlooks the critical role Great Meadow plays in our region and fails to address the serious repercussions its closure will bring.”