On February 3, 2022, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the Rikers Island Feasibility Study, which will determine the capacity for wastewater and organics processing on Rikers Island after the Corrections facilities are shut down.
Search Results for: Rikers Island
Mayor Signs Two Bills Regarding Rikers Island and Sustainability
The bills include a study of renewable energy generation and storage on Rikers Island. On February 25, 2021, Mayor de Blasio signed two bills regarding energy usage, sustainability and prospective planning on Rikers Island. Both bills were sponsored by Council Member Costa Constantinides.
Closing Rikers Island: A Catalyst for Criminal Justice Reform
Former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, speaking at a CityLaw Breakfast on January 23, 2019, powerfully argued that the time has come to close Rikers Island, New York City’s notorious jail located on an island in the East River. Judge Lippman’s remarks echoed the 2017 recommendations of the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform which Judge Lippman chaired. Judge Lippman spoke at the breakfast in a question and … <Read More>
City Announces Plans To Replace Rikers Island
New borough-based detention facilities will provide on-site support services. On August 15, 2018, the De Blasio administration announced plans for four modern, community-based jails to replace the embattled Rikers Island detention facilities. In 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to close Rikers Island.
Fewer Serious Assaults At Rikers Island
Efforts to reduce violence at Rikers begin to show success. On September 19, 2017, the Department of Corrections reported that, since 2014, Corrections has seen a significant drop in serious assaults on staff, serious injury to inmates, and use of force.
Council in Agreement to Close Rikers, Questions Remain on Borough Based Jail Solution
Council received extensive testimony and differing perspectives on Borough Based Jails. On September 5, 2019, City Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses held a public hearing regarding the City’s application to close Rikers Island and create a Borough Based Jail System. The proposed sites are 124-125 White Street in Manhattan, 745 East 141St Street in the Bronx, 126-02 82nd Avenue in Queens and at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.