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Governor alerts PEF to closings at DOCS, OCFS
By DARCY WELLS
Before Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced his state budget, he notified PEF President
Ken Brynien of plans to close four state prisons and close, consolidate or
reduce beds at six youth facilities in January 2009.
Brynien met with the commissioners from the state Department of Correctional
Services (DOCS) and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to discuss
the changes.
The targeted closures include Camp Pharsalia in Chenango County, Camp Gabriels
in Franklin County, the medium-security Hudson Correctional Facility in Columbia
County and Camp McGregor in Saratoga County.
The six residential youth facilities are the Adirondack Wilderness Challenge in
Clinton County, Auburn Residential Center in Cayuga County, Brace Residential
Center in Delaware County, Gloversville Group Home in Fulton County, Great
Valley Residential Center in Cattaraugus County and the Pyramid Reception Center
in the Bronx.
The closures would affect approximately 71 members at the DOCS facilities and 45
members at the youth centers.
“Any announcement concerning our members puts us at ‘high alert,’ Brynien said.
“But, we are encouraged the governor and commissioners reached out to us
directly, unlike the previous administration. They have promised to work with us
toward a positive solution in relocating our members to other facilities.”
Brynien said PEF leaders will hold meetings with all the members who may be
affected by the closures.
“We will review the proposals and do everything possible to ensure the job
security of our members,” Brynien said. “And, we will also make sure public
safety is not jeopardized.