The New York City Department of Correction commissioner called for the reopening of a Brooklyn jail Thursday.

Commissioner Martin Horn testified at City Hall that reopening the Brooklyn House of Detention will relieve overcrowding at Riker's Island. He also said expanding the downtown Brooklyn jail will make it easier for families to visit inmates and bring inmates closer to the courthouses.

Councilman David Yassky (D- Brooklyn) says it would make more sense economically to sell the property than to renovate it for $240 million.

A spokesperson with the correction department said it is in the process of choosing an architect for the expansion project and expects to reopen the jail in 2012.