Gov. Cuomo wants to close a costly women’s prison in Chelsea that’s been empty since Hurricane Sandy — a move that would save millions in operating costs and generate millions more once the prime property is sold.
The Bayview Prison, which opened in 1974 on West 20th Street at 11th Avenue, housed about 160 inmates and had a staff of 167 when the storm ravaged the structure.
Cuomo said yesterday that Bayview’s staff-cost-per-inmate was $74,385 — more than twice the state benchmark of $34,193.
The prison is next door to one of the poshest new buildings in the city, a luxury condo at 100 11th Ave.
“I hear real-estate speculators are already lining up,” said Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D-Queens).
Correction-union officials blasted the move, saying it would cut jobs.