As part of the largest budget in its history, New York State has confirmed that it will shut down yet another correctional facility early next year — a decision that reflects shifting priorities, declining inmate populations, and evolving correctional strategies.

According to state officials and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone, NY, will officially close its doors on March 11, 2026.

At affairstime.com, we break down what this closure means for employees, inmates, and the wider region — and how it fits into the bigger trends reshaping New York and the nation.

A Budget That Set Records and Sparked Major Changes

When New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the $254 billion state budget in May, it marked the largest financial blueprint in state history. The budget emphasized:

• Affordability and economic relief
• Education and school investment
• Climate and infrastructure upgrades
• Public safety reforms
• And significantly, the ability for the state to close up to three correctional facilities

This framework paved the way for the shutting down of Bare Hill Correctional Facility, as DOCCS evaluated all 42 correctional institutions across the state.

Why Bare Hill Correctional Facility Is Closing

DOCCS said the decision followed a “careful and thorough review” focused on:

• Available prison bed space
• Infrastructure conditions
• Program availability
• Ability to transition offerings to other prisons
• Locations with nearby alternative facilities
• Minimizing disruptions for staff and inmates

The review concluded that Bare Hill could be safely consolidated into surrounding institutions with minimal logistical impact.

Bare Hill becomes the 28th prison to close in New York since 2009, reflecting a long-term trend of declining prison populations and changing correctional strategies.

Nearly 300 Staff Members Affected — but No Job Losses Expected

Currently, 293 DOCCS employees work at Bare Hill. DOCCS emphasized that all affected staff will be offered other positions within the corrections system.

“All 293 DOCCS staff assigned to Bare Hill will be offered positions at other facilities, and neighboring correctional facilities will be able to safely absorb the incarcerated population into vacant beds at other institutions.”

This ensures no layoffs, though relocation or role adjustments may be required.

Incarcerated individuals will also be relocated to nearby facilities with sufficient capacity.

Closure Date: March 11, 2026

Bare Hill Correctional Facility will officially close at the end of business on March 11, 2026.

Communities around Malone may see economic impacts due to reduced staff presence, though retaining employees within DOCCS is expected to soften the blow.

Nationwide Trend: Retail Closures Surge in 2024

The correctional facility closure comes at the same time New York and the rest of the country are experiencing a wave of corporate downsizing, with major retailers shutting down hundreds of stores.

Here are the 10 retailers that closed the most stores in 2024:

The closures reflect broader economic pressures, shifting consumer behavior, and the ongoing rise of e-commerce.

What Comes Next?

With Bare Hill’s closure on the horizon, New York continues to reshape its correctional footprint in response to modern needs. The move fits a broader pattern of fiscal recalibration and evolving social priorities.

As always, affairstime.com will monitor upcoming facility closures and policy updates as the state evaluates two more possible shutdowns allowed under the 2024–2025 budget.