Gowanda, NY (WBEN) Area lawmakers say they're not happy with Governor Cuomo's decision to shut down Gowanda Correctional Facility in March. They noted that the decision will devastate employees and their families and undermine the community's already vulnerable economy.
"Governor Cuomo's announcement that the Gowanda Correctional Facility will close is not only untimely but demonstrates an ill-will toward hard-working Western New Yorkers. It is no secret that Gov. Cuomo and his allies in Albany have buckled under the pressures of pro-criminal special interest groups, but to make this announcement the week of Christmas is especially cruel," says Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. "The closure of this correctional facility will devastate the local community, cost Western New York hundreds of jobs, and will force families to uproot and relocate during what is already a very challenging time.
The brave men and women who show up every day to ensure the protection of New York's residents deserve better than this," said Senator Ortt.
"After months of putting their health and safety at risk to do their jobs in the midst of a pandemic, the hardworking men and women who staff Gowanda Correctional Facility have received their holiday 'thanks' from the state: notification that their place of employment is closing in a matter of weeks," says Senator George Borrello, whose 57th Senate District encompasses the Cattaraugus County portion of the Village of Gowanda. "What looks like a few lines on a budget spreadsheet to the Governor and DOCCS officials represent the economic anchor for these employees, their families and the entire Gowanda community," the Senator added. "Decades of investment in the infrastructure, programming and personnel of the prison is being decimated in one stroke."
Senator Patrick Gallivan, whose 59th Senate District includes the village's Erie County portion, said: "The impact this decision will have on the dedicated men and women who work at the Gowanda facility and their families, especially at this difficult time for so many people, is concerning, as is the impact on the community. My office will work with DOCCS and the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), AFSCME, CSEA and PEF to ensure the best possible outcome for all those affected. I thank all of the hardworking public servants at the Gowanda Correctional Facility for their professionalism under these very difficult circumstances."
Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio, who represents the 148th Assembly District and is the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Corrections, underscored the fact that these closures will further undermine public safety in the state.
"This is the latest of the governor's attempts to systematically dismantle the corrections system in New York state, which he has done since day one. The employees who work in corrections will be in greater danger from assault as inmates are transferred within the system," says Giglio. "The closure of these facilities further illustrates this administration's lack of concern for public safety and the protection of our citizens. In addition, this action shows complete disregard for the men and women who work at these facilities, as well as their families," he added.
Gowanda Mayor David Smith indicated that while the state's offer to work with employee unions on arranging voluntary transfers to other facilities may work for some families, for others, it will be impossible.
"Most Gowanda Correctional employees have deep roots in this community. They have spouses with jobs, children in the local school district and extended family in the area. The notion that they can easily relocate in just a few weeks' time is simply insulting," said Mayor Smith. "It is impossible to overstate how economically devastating this closure will be to our community. As the largest employer in the area, it drives most of our economy, either directly or indirectly. This rapid closure, without any plan in place to repurpose the facility and replace those jobs, is incredibly reckless," adds Smith. "The closure of these facilities further illustrates this administration's lack of concern for public safety and the protection of our citizens. In addition, this action shows complete disregard for the men and women who work at these facilities, as well as their families."
Gowanda Mayor David Smith indicated that while the state's offer to work with employee unions on arranging voluntary transfers to other facilities may work for some families, for others, it will be impossible."Most Gowanda Correctional employees have deep roots in this community. They have spouses with jobs, children in the local school district and extended family in the area. The notion that they can easily relocate in just a few weeks' time is simply insulting," said Mayor Smith. "It is impossible to overstate how economically devastating this closure will be to our community. As the largest employer in the area, it drives most of our economy, either directly or indirectly. This rapid closure, without any plan in place to repurpose the facility and replace those jobs, is incredibly reckless," adds Smith.
Gowanda along with Clinton Annex and Watertown are slated for closure in March.
