Authorizes the transfer and conveyance of certain lands in the county of Bronx, city of New York, to the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund, Inc.

BILL NUMBER:S3179

Title of bill

An act authorizing the urban development corporation, the office of general services and the department of corrections and community supervision to transfer and convey certain lands in the county of Bronx, city of New York, to the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund, Inc.

Purpose

To permit the transfer of the former Fulton Correctional Facil- ity to the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund for the purpose of estab- lishing a center providing opportunities for individuals in conflict with the law through reform and rehabilitation programs, alternatives to incarceration, re-entry services, victim services and related community activities in order to increase public safety in the county of Bronx.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 permits the transfer and conveyance of the Fulton Correctional Facility from the urban development corporation to the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund, Inc. and empowers the commissioner of general services and the commissioner of the department of corrections and community services to effect the transfer and conveyance of said correc- tional facility.

Section 2 describes the two parcels to be conveyed.

Section 3 specifies that the conveyance shall be subject to a condition precedent so that it does not impair or result in the diminution of the obligations to bond holders whose bonds are secured by correctional facilities and shall not affect the tax free status of such bonds.

Section 4 provides that the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund, Inc. may submit an accurate survey and description of the lands to be conveyed to the urban development corporation.

Section 5 provides that the property transferred must be used for the purpose of providing opportunities to individuals in conflict with the law through reform and rehabilitation programs, alternatives to incar- ceration, re-entry services, services to persons affected by crime and/or incarceration and related community activities or shall revert to the state.

Section 6 specifies that the board of directors of the urban development corporation shall not transfer the Property unless application is made by the Thomas Mott Osborne Memorial Fund, Inc.

Section 7 provides for an effective date.

Justification

Fulton Correctional Facility was one of seven prisons closed in the state in 2011. Maintaining the property costs the state $17,000 to $18,000 per month, mostly for security staff. The facility is

located in the Bronx, which is a high crime community within New York City. With strong backing from state, local and federal politicians, the Osborne Association plans to use the property to create a program for Bronx residents involved with the criminal justice system, emphasizing re-entry and alternatives to incarceration, job training, victim services and related community activities. The Osborne Association has an excellent track record of providing such services in New York, manag- ing large tangible assets, and has demonstrated fund-raising ability to support such a program in the Bronx.

Fiscal implications

The transfer of this property will save the state approximately $215,000 per year for the cost of maintaining and securing Fulton Correctional Facility.

Legislative history

A.10643 passed assembly and delivered to senate; referred to senate rules committee in 2012.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.