A new prison for 1000 inmates is being built in New York: protests from Chinatown residents.

In the New York neighborhood of Chinatown, authorities plan to build a new prison about 100 meters tall right in their backyard. This was reported by the New York Times.

Local residents of Manhattan's Chinatown are concerned about such plans.

Currently, builders are working on demolishing the structure that stands on the future prison site, and local residents are complaining about the noise, dust, and vibrations caused by this project.

History and future of the prison in Chinatown

Previously, there was already a detention place on this site, which local residents called 'The Tombs'. However, the new construction project will be on a much larger scale, with 1040 beds, an underground parking lot, and about 20 floors.

It is known that the Manhattan Detention Center was built in the style of Egyptian Revival nearly 200 years ago, earning it this nickname. Since its opening in 1838, it has undergone several reconstructions and was closed in November 2020 prior to demolition.

Supporters of the new prison construction believe it is a necessary step to close Rikers Island, where violence and deaths have caused unrest for many years.

Plans and project implementation

The demolition is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of next year, although the city has acknowledged that it will likely not be able to close Rikers by the legislative deadline of 2027.

Approximately 30% of local residents live and work near this site, predominantly people over 65 years old, and 60% are Asian.

Nearby the future prison is an affordable housing complex for low-income seniors, which largely allows local immigrants to remain in their community.

The New York authorities plan to build a new prison in Chinatown, hoping to address the issues of violence and death on Rikers Island. Local residents have expressed their outrage and concern over this project, considering it unreasonable and detrimental to the community. Demolition has already begun, and the city continues to work on implementing its plans.