After community outrage forced former Governor Jim McGreevey to scrap plans for a community reentry center he had been spearheading at Sacred Heart in Jersey City, the Governor has said he “understands” concerns.
“Understandably, the neighborhood was concerned about the prospect of parolees receiving services in the community,” McGreevey told PolitickerNJ. “Yet, we need to realized that without these needed services returning persons have all too few options. Even so, I understand.”
For the former Governor, facilities like the one proposed at Sacred Heart present a “critically important” service for those who have been incarcerated.
“In the absence of reentry programs, ex-offenders almost inevitably return to what was,” McGreevey said. “Working with the New Jersey Parole Board, we have been able to offer a healthy alternative.”
According to McGreevey, the Jersey City Employment and Training Program, where he is executive director, is actively seeking a new site for the facility. The program received a $4.2 million state grant to open.
“In the next few days, we hope to make formal recommendations,” McGreevey said. “We are presently looking for a site that would offer accessibility in the community.”
Martin’s Place, which offers similar services primarily to those on probation, will remain open and in its current location.
