CIVICS FIGHT JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY IN QUEENS VILLAGE

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is planning to put a Limited-Secure Placement facility in a building on Jamaica Ave and 207th St. This is part of a program called “Close to Home,” which seeks to house juvenile offenders in or near their communities, instead of in detention centers upstate.

According to the ACS, a Limited-Secure Placement Facility would house some youth who have committed violent offenses, such as robbery and assault. The most serious offenders would remain in state facilities.

Local civic leaders and residents have several objections. First, most believe that this type of facility does not belong in or near a residential area. Also, there has been limited outreach to the community. Finally, ACS has not explained how they will prevent escapes from the facility.
The Queens Village Civic Association has scheduled a protest to be held at the location on Saturday, June 6 at noon. They are seeking support from neighboring civics. Readers of the print newsletter will most likely not receive this in time to attend. More information will be provided at our June 8 meeting (Creedmore Civic Assoc.).