New York City is taking a big step towards innovative crime prevention by announcing a $5 million capital investment for the Staten Island Community Justice Center.
Mayor Eric Adams and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks on Thursday, July 18th, revealed plans to transform the former criminal court on Targee Street in Stapleton into a state-of-the-art facility to address the root causes of criminal behavior.
The center, a project of the Center for Justice Innovation (CJI), will offer a range of programs for both adults and youth impacted by the justice system.
These include counseling, leadership development, mentorship, re-entry services, and workforce training.
“I have long said that public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” Mayor Adams stated. “To truly invest in public safety, we must focus on upstream solutions that give our communities — particularly our youth — a positive and productive stream to thrive in.”
While the $5 million allocation marks a crucial step forward, additional funding is still required, and the center’s opening is likely years away. Once operational, it will be the first of its kind in Staten Island, joining similar facilities in other New York City boroughs.
Councilwoman Hanks expressed, “I am excited to be moving toward the realization of Staten Island’s first Community Justice Center – it’s been a long time coming for our borough,”
She continued, “The opening of this center will enhance public safety and strengthen community trust in our justice system. It will offer vital services and opportunities for young people and adults affected by the justice system, aiming to decrease crime and incarceration, while promoting a safer Staten Island.”
District Attorney Michael McMahon highlighted the broader benefits of the center, describing it as “an absolute game changer for Staten Island,” crucial for reducing recidivism and youth violence.
McMahon noted, “We are one step closer to making the dream of a Staten Island Community Justice Center a reality! Critical to addressing recidivism, youth violence, and our borough’s public safety as a whole, the Staten Island Community Justice Center will help address the underlying conditions of crime by offering eligible defendants meaningful diversion and restorative and mediation programming, as well as provide the broader community with a central hub for much-needed services.”
The center aligns with the Adams administration’s “Blueprint for Community Safety,” promoting community engagement and evidence-based practices to prevent crime and reduce incarceration rates.
