Interior Secure Boards - April 2026

The recreation area should be a space for incarcerated people to be able to see the sky, feel the air, and clear their heads. We know how important spaces like these are for well-being. Originally, the outer mesh stopped at seven feet but it now extends to the ceiling, which will obstruct people's views and make the recreation area feel like a cage. Removing this mesh, which is unnecessary for safety, will significantly improve how the recreation space looks and feels -- and it will make no real difference to passers-by on the street or neighbors in nearby buildings. Please consider amending the design accordingly.

In October, the designs for these recreation areas showed the outer mesh stopping at 7 feet. Now it extends to the ceiling. These areas are the only access to fresh air people in custody will have, and if that outer layer of mesh wasn’t necessary above seven feet before, it's not necessary now. A few people’s ideas about how it looks from the outside should not be put ahead of maximizing light and air for people inside, especially when, realistically, most people on the outside will rarely look up at these buildings. We know the positive impact that fresh air and sunlight have on mental health and wellbeing, along with physical health. This should be changed back to its original plan.

In October 2025, the designs for these recreation areas showed the outer mesh stopping at seven feet. Now it extends to the ceiling. These areas are the only access to fresh air young adults and other people in custody will have, and if that outer layer of mesh wasn’t necessary above seven feet before, it's not necessary now. It's our understanding that a concern has been raised by people who will be looking up at the buildings -- this should not influence the design. How the area looks from the outside should not be put ahead of maximizing light and air for people inside.