Despite protests from local residents, a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge has ruled Wednesday that the Brooklyn House of Detention can reopen and house prisoners.

Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix's ruling allows the facility to open its doors for the first time since 2003, but the proposed expansion of the detention center is still open to debate. The judge says the environmental and land use reviews are required before the expansion can go forward.

The detention center, located on Atlantic Avenue, has space for 759 inmates. However, the New York City Department of Corrections wants to nearly double its capacity.