NCJ Number
47689
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1978) Pages: 26-31
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CONTROVERSIAL DECISION TO USE THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE SITE OF THE 1980 WINTER OLYMPICS AS A MEDIUM-SECURITY PRISON AFTER THE GAMES ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
IN 1974, LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK, WAS OFFICALLY SELECTED AS THE SITE OF THE 1980 WINTER OLYMPICS, AND IN SEPTEMBER, 1976, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED INTO LAW A BILL AUTHORIZING $49 MILLION FOR SITE CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING $14 MILLION FOR ATHLETES' HOUSING. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING BUILT FOR THE OLYMPIC IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A PERMANENT FUTURE USE, AND THE ATHLETES' HOUSING PRESENTED A PROBLEM. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS WAS INTERESTED IN CONSTRUCTING A PRISON SITE IN UPSTATE NEW YORK, AND, FURTHER, THAT THE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ATHLETES' SAFETY WERE IDENTICAL TO THOSE FOR A MEDIUM-SECURITY PRISON. THE BUREAU OF PRISONS DECIDED TO BUILD THE FACILITY. ALTHOUGH MANY RESIDENTS OF THE AREA APPLAUD THE BUREAU'S MOVE BECAUSE OF THE PROSPECT OF INCREASED EMPLOYMENT, THE INHABITANTS OF RAY BROOK, THE ACTUAL SITE OF THE PLANNED FACILITY, FEAR A DECLINE IN PROPERTY VALUES, ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES, AND GOVERNMENTAL SECRECY DURING THE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME AND DELINQUENCY SAYS THAT IT IS A CHILLING IDEA TO LOCK PRISONERS INTO ROOMS VACATED BY HEALTHY YOUNG ATHLETES, QUESTIONS WHETHER ANOTHER FEDERAL PRISON IS NEEDED, AND CHARGES THAT THE BUREAU OF PRISONS DISREGARDED ITS OWN GUIDELINES BY BUILDING A FACILITY SO FAR FROM THE CITIES FROM WHICH MOST OF THE PRISONERS WILL COME. PROPONENTS STATE THAT THE SITE IS A NATURAL CHOICE BECAUSE OF THE SIMILARITY IN SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LOCATIONS INVOLVED ARE INCLUDED. (KBL)