We are proposing the creation of a dedicated vocational/recreation center with a dining hall. In addition to several multi-use programmatic rooms that could be used for a variety of purposes, we also sought input from residents who stated that they would greatly benefit from dedicated areas where they could learn a variety of skills/trades as well as a dog shelter. The additional space would allow for a much more enriching experience and would have a profound impact on all residents and staff.
Project Detail and Status:
When the most recent Hillbrtook expnasion project waas implemented, Onondaga County/Hillbrook was very strategic in understanding its role as a regional partner while consciously not wanting to over build. Based off of historical data, detention trends, and projections we settled on increasing the facility capacity from thirty-two beds to fifty beds. While this appropriate and necessary increase was intended to meet the detention needs within Central New York, we did not appropriately make the necessary expansions for programmatic space. Specifically, two of our existing units were increased from eight beds to thirteen beds without making an incremental increase to programmatic, recreational, or educational space. In addition to a lack of additional space and an increase to the average length of stay, we have determined that groups of seven to eight youth are too large and present a risk to safety. Groups that are composed of five to six residents function at a much higher level and yield far fewer critical incidents. On average Hillbrook is currently operating with up to seven groups on a daily basis. Due to the fact that the existing facility only has four dormitory lounges, we have been forced to have groups program in unconventional areas such as the cafeteria, training room, multi-purpose room, or classrooms. Utilizing these areas restricts the programmatic opportunities for all residents. Furthermore, these spaces were not designed or intended for the ways in which they are currently being utilized which presents significant issues to safety. An application for specialized secure detention capital construction will be submitted to both New York State Commission of Corrections and Office of Children & Family Services by 8/27/21 We are anticipating starting construction at the beginning of 2022. The construction will be funded by state aid funds and will start only if the state funds are approved The project is include in the Onondaga County's 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of July 17, 2024, an architect has been selected for the project. A firm timeline for bidding and construction has not been established. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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