The Borough-Based Jails Program (BBJP) is the product of New York City’s plan to close The Rikers Correctional Center and construct new state of the art detention facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. The smaller and safer facilities allow for specialized services including mental health programs. The New York City Department of Design & Construction (NYCDDC) applied a multimillion-dollar contract for development of the new borough-based facilities. The sensitive nature of jail facilities, magnitude of buildings, and the potential impact on neighboring communities warrants a transparent, informative, and effective community outreach effort than standard rehabilitation or development projects.
BCG has been selected as one of the leading firms providing critical Construction Community Liaison efforts to provide Program and Project Management Services as well as Community Liaison Services for the Design-Build Program for the New York City Borough Base Jail System. BCG was responsible for stakeholder and community engagement during the project’s planning and design phases. Prior to construction, the firm’s community outreach specialists designed and moderated public meetings and workshops in order to gain stakeholder input. The workshops were geared toward soliciting feedback on the public spaces that will be designed as part of the project, including best use of the space, streetscape design, ground floor activation, lighting, building materials, and other features.
The Borough-Based Jails Program includes a Community Construction Liaisons Program that includes multiple CCL staff that maintain site specific notification lists. The BBJ CCLs work on behalf of DDC as the point of contact for stakeholders and the local community. BCGs CCL is responsible for communicating construction impacts to the local community and resolving any construction-related issues. She communicates with stakeholders and community members on a daily basis answering documented inquiries and assists to hear and resolve complaints. Our CCL attends community board meetings, prepares presentations and hosts community meetings. She also maintains and distributes a weekly construction bulletin to keep community members informed.
