Broome County Executive Debra Preston says the process of closing a treatment unit at Broome Developmental Center is leading to the release of dangerous people into the community.

Preston says she's sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo to express her concern about public safety. The facility in the town of Dickinson is scheduled to close in the spring of 2016.

The county executive says the move to shut down the Local Intensive Treatment Unit will lead to the release of "dozens of dangerous people."

In the letter, Preston wrote: "This isn't the right way to save money."

Preston noted the unit is a locked and secure facility that houses about 70 people involved in the criminal justice system or with "very challenging behavioral problems."

Preston is asking the governor to set up a meeting so elected officials and the public can ask questions and learn more about the plans to close the facility.

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