Local Officials Rally Against Closure of Sullivan Correctional Facility

New York State Senator Peter Oberacker, representing the 51st District, was joined by local officials at a rally held at the Woodbourne Firehouse on Wednesday, July 24th, to oppose to the planned closure of the Sullivan Correctional Facility on November 6.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced the closure of two state correctional facilities later this year: the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County and the Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Washington County.

The department cited staffing challenges and a low prisoner population as factors in the decision to close these facilities.

Senator Oberacker,along with local officials. expressed concerns about the short timeline of less than 90 days for the closure and pointed out that the closure will have a significant economic impact on the community.

Fallsburg Supervisor Michael Bensimon, who attended the rally, stated that the impact of the closure will be deeply felt.

Analisha Mckenith, a single mother and corrections officer with nine years at Sullivan Correctional Facility, is uncertain about her future. She expressed concerns about managing her son’s education, as he is a special needs student.

Sullivan County legislators and the Sheriff’s Office were present at the rally, pledging to assist the displaced corrections officers to the best of their ability. They also vowed to continue urging Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider her decision.