NYC residents decry plan to house ex-Rikers inmates at Jacobi Hospital

The town desires to create 70 studio flats in an unused Jacobi constructing on Seminole Avenue for the previous inmates.
J.C.Rice

A metropolis proposal to accommodate former Rikers Island inmates on the Jacobi Hospital campus in Morris Park has enraged residents of the Bronx neighborhood.

“I’m furious about the truth that the Bronx is inundated with group houses, homeless shelters. There ought to be some type of fairness. You’re placing a felony component in a peaceable neighborhood,” mentioned Al D’Angelo, the pinnacle of the Morris Park Group Affiliation.

A whole lot of residents packed a gathering Tuesday to listen to in regards to the plan, with many denouncing it.

The town says it desires to create 70 studio flats in an unused Jacobi constructing on Seminole Avenue for the previous inmates, who can have “advanced medical wants” corresponding to most cancers or kidney illness. Some items would go to low-income New Yorkers via a lottery.

D’Angelo mentioned he fearful about who could be visiting the previous inmates.

“Why put our households in hurt’s manner,” he mentioned.

Many residents oppose the thought of letting former criminals reside within the constructing.

J.C.Rice

The non-profit Fortune Society was chosen because the developer, however the mission nonetheless must get Metropolis Council approval.

“I all the time attempt for community-led processes and to convey all related stakeholders to the desk; this mission isn't any exception, and I hope we're capable of finding a use for the constructing that works for the neighborhood, sufferers, and the hospital,” mentioned Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, who represents the realm.

A spokesman for the general public Well being + Hospitals system, which runs Jacobi, mentioned, “We're excited to assist present a few of our most medically fragile sufferers the chance to obtain dignified housing and top quality providers.”