Summary of Settlement Agreement between Gowanus United and NYS DOCCS
1) Gowanus United has withdrawn its lawsuit against NYS DOCCS because we entered into a mutually satisfactory agreement.
2) DOCCS has agreed to reduce the number of Brooklyn’s parolees reporting to the Gowanus facility by 2/3 (from 6000 to 2000) for a period of at least 2 years.
3) In order to reduce the number of Brooklyn’s parolees reporting to Gowanus, DOCCS is piloting a decentralization program, whereby, 2/3 of the borough’s parolees will meet with their parole officers in the community, closer to their homes, employment, and local resources. Decentralization is considered an emerging best practice in the parole and probation field across the country.
4) Gowanus United, along with other specified community players including Community Board 6 and the 78th Precinct, will meet regularly with DOCCS representatives over a two year period to discuss any issues pertaining to the ongoing operation of the facility.
5) After 2 years, if DOCCS intends to increase the number of parolees reporting to the Gowanus facility by more than 250 individuals, they need to inform Gowanus United of this plan 90 days in advance.
