Wants New Jails
A copy of the following letter was received by the Gazette.
Hon. Michael Bloomberg
Mayor of the City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I write regarding a serious situation affecting the quality of life in Western Queens.

Recently, your administration studied the feasibility of relocating a significant number of prisoners from Riker's Island to satellite prisons located in Brooklyn and The Bronx. Since this initiative, if enacted, would provide a significant improvement to the quality of life in Western Queens, I would gladly welcome its enactment.

As you know, the Riker's Island Bridge is the access road to the prison and can only be accessed by driving through the quiet residential neighborhood of Upper Ditmars in Astoria.

Every year, thousands upon thousands of vehicles drive through this neighborhood on their way to Riker's Island, further burdening local residents who already deal with nearby power plants, LaGuardia Airport, and an adjacent Industrial Zone with even more traffic, noise, and pollution.

By reducing the overall prison population, the number of visitors that access Riker's Island will be significantly reduced, thereby significantly reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in the area.

The benefits to the Western Queens community, combined with the benefits to the families of the detainees, who would enjoy easier access to their loved ones, especially in areas that are more accessible by mass transit, make this initiative one that I am proud to support.

I look forward to continuing our work together to make all of New York City a better place to live and work.
Sincerely yours,
Michael N. Gianaris
Member of Assembly, 36th District