Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Where is the Brooklyn House of Detention?A: The Brooklyn House of Detention takes up an entire block in Downtown Brooklyn, NY. It is at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard, sometimes known as the "Gateway to Brooklyn." It is bounded on the South by Smith Street and on the East by State Street.
Click here for area maps.
Q: Who are the Community Stakeholders?A: The Community Stakeholders are:
- 53 Boerum Place Condominium
- Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association
- Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation
- Boerum Hill Association
- Brooklyn Vision Foundation
- Cobble Hill Association
- State Street Houses Association
Other local associations regularly attend our meetings and have participated in meetings with elected officials and the Department of Corrections.
Q: What is going on at the HOD?A: The House of Detention has not housed any prisoners since 2003. It was closed due to the declining crime rate (which continues to decline), as well as the need for extensive renovations and repairs, among other reasons. The status of the repairs follows:
- The construction on the ground floor has been completed.
- The Visitors' Center has been relocated to Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard from the State Street side of the building.
- The State Street side of the complex has been cleared of debris.
- The 'sally port' on the corner of Smith and State streets continues to be used by DOC vans transporting prisoners to the HOD for daily holding for hearings at the Courthouse.
- Eleven employees continue to work in the building.
- The $16 million designated for repairs/replacement of the glass block windows has been on hold for 2 years. (The HOD cannot be re-opened until these repairs have been completed.)
The Department of Corrections has said it intends to not only re-open the facility, but to double the previous number of prisoners!
For more history of the HOD, please
click here.
Page under development, please check back soon!
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contact us.