New York City’s Plans to Build Four New Jails Met with Protests

As part of the movement to reform its criminal justice system, New York City wants to open four, borough-based jails to achieve its long term goal of closing the notoriously violent and dysfunctional Rikers Island.

Residents of Lower Manhattan convened last week at a town hall style meeting, where city officials attempted to justify the proposal, often without being able to finish a sentence. They touted the new plan, arguing that it would bring inmates closer to their families and the courthouses, improving their chances of successful re-entry after release. Other services such as mental health programs, education, and rehab facilities would also be more accessible.

Chinatown residents jeered at city officials.

One of the proposed 40-story jails would replace a current government building at 80 Centre Street in Chinatown and would include a ground floor of retail space. The city’s goal is to reduce the current number of incarcerated persons from 9,000 to 5,000.

"They should reform the jail system. Not move it down to our community,” said Mary Wu, a resident of Chinatown. "If they want to be close to their relatives to visit, move it to their community.” She thinks the area would benefit from senior and affordable housing instead of a jail.

Although the intention to close the 86-year-old prison complex is good, expanding the criminal justice footprint by opening other prisons doesn’t seem to address the problems that Rikers had: correctional misconduct, bail, and bad policing. Aside from better lighting and slightly smaller size, the city has failed to address how the prisons will be safer for both inmates and correctional officers.

Brandon Holmes, coordinator of advocacy group Close Rikers Campaign, points out that “the city would also need to undertake a dramatic overhaul of its criminal justice system, enacting radical changes such as ending bail bonds, cutting back on detention for low level offenses, and reevaluating pretrial detention as a whole,” in order to hit the target goal and to avoid overcrowding when and if Rikers is closed.

Article by: Katya Demina

KRE Group Celebrates Grand Opening of 485 Marin in Jersey City

KRE Group announced the grand opening of 485 Marin Boulevard, the newest and largest 18-story rental building in Jersey City’s idyllic Hamilton Park neighborhood. Situated at the front door to Hamilton Park, a residential destination known for its tree-lined streets and rows of Victorian brownstones, the new building brings 397 apartments to the area, which are 70% leased.

485 Marin is KRE Group’s latest collaboration with the architectural firm Hollwich Kushner and interior designer Christopher Stevens. Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects is the architect of record. KRE Group also debuted a new public park located directly behind 485 Marin, providing abundant green space for residents and their neighbors to enjoy. Designed by Melillo & Bauer Associates and named Marin Green, the park spans more than an acre and includes a grassy lawn, café-style seating and a children’s play area, along with a dog park.

To celebrate the grand opening of 485 Marin, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held September 13, 2018, which was attended by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “This is a unique rental development that will be home to Jersey City’s newest public park, Marin Green,” said Mayor Fulop. “We continue to strive to meet the needs of Jersey City’s neighborhoods by working with developers to offer various options for new and current residents as we look to improve communities with new amenities such as parks, retail space and affordable housing.”

Photo credit: Monica Schipper

Apartments start on the fifth floor and range from spacious studios to three-bedroom residences, with many offering private terraces. Interior designer Christopher Stevens, who has styled private homes across the East Coast, crafted the interiors of the residences, which feature open floor plans, rustic oak-style wood flooring, and large picture windows that overlook the surrounding neighborhood.

Kitchens are outfitted with white quartz stone countertops, high-gloss grey cabinets, Grohe fixtures and a complete package of Whirlpool appliances. Bathrooms feature quartz countertops, brushed-nickel Kohler fixtures and tiled floors. Additionally, all residences include laundry closets with Whirlpool washer/dryer sets.

To further enhance the residential experience, 485 Marin offers an outstanding amenity and service package. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, private dining room, screening room, and attended lobby, the building features a 5th-floor lounge that opens onto an amenity deck with a swimming pool, sunbathing areas, grilling stations and outdoor showers.

Additionally, 485 Marin is the first and only building in Hamilton Park to offer its residents access to the app-based service Hello Alfred, a platform that combines sophisticated software with highly trained “Alfred” Home Managers to handle an extensive suite of services, including digital move-in coordination, errand assistance, in-home package delivery and more. KRE Group is the exclusive provider of Hello Alfred in Jersey City.

The Marketing Directors is the exclusive leasing and marketing agent for 485 Marin. Pricing for available residences begins at $2,435 for a studio (net effective rent based on one month free with a 13-month lease).

Photo credit: Hollwich Kushner.

Photo credit: Hollwich Kushner.

Photo credit: QuallsBenson.

Article by: Katya Demina

Henri Bendel To Close It’s Doors After 123 Years Following Holiday Season

L Brands, the parent company which owns retail icon Henri Bendel, has announced that they will be closing all 23 locations after 123 years. The closings will take place following the 2019 holiday shopping season, giving nostalgic shoppers a last chance to make their purchases from the iconic retailer. The Henri Bendel closing will leave the 86,000 SF 712 Fifth Avenue, which is owned by the Paramount Group, vacant. The lease carries $6.5 million in annual rent commitments and runs through February 28, 2021. L Brands has decided to focus on their larger holdings which include Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. They initially purchased the retailer in 1985 before expanding to 11 states.