Could Auburn Correctional Facility soon close it’s doors?
As part of the governor’s proposed budget, a provision would allow for the closure of up to five state run correctional facilities with only 90 days notice. The proposal did not name which facilities would be closed.
When asked on FLX Morning if he believed Auburn Correctional Facility could be targeted for closure, Assemblyman John Lemondes, who represents Auburn, said he doesn’t believe the prison will be selected; however, he is still against the proposed closures, especially with only 90 days notice.
“90 days notice. For any institution in our state giving the people that work there, that pledged their lives, 90 days notice as if they were a dog being sent off to a pound, how terrible,” said Lemondes.
Lemondes previously was one of several Republican assemblymen blasting the governor’s proposal. He believes closing any of Central New York’s prisons would be detrimental to the area economy and public safety.
“[Auburn Correctional Facility is] an immense economic component of Cayuga County and Central New York,” Lemondes continued. “Not to mention what it adds to public safety, potentially closing that prison or any others in Central New York would be really detrimental.”
He also believes that increasing population density at the facilities that stay open will lead to an increase in prisoner on prisoner and prisoner on staff violence.
You can hear Lemondes’ full FLX Morning interview below.
