In the latest report from the Lippman Commission, it is acknowledged that the closure of the Rikers Island prison complex by 2027 is not feasible. However, the City Council refuses to accept this reality.
The construction of the first replacement jail will not be completed before 2029, and even if all four replacement jails are completed, they would not be able to accommodate the current population of over 7,000 inmates at Rikers.
The law introduced during the de Blasio administration, mandating the closure of the 15,000-bed jail complex within two years, is facing significant opposition from communities regarding the borough-based jails. Additionally, the typical delays seen in large New York government projects are further impeding progress.
As highlighted in a previous article from January, with each new contract signed by City Hall for replacement jails, the completion date continues to be pushed further back.
The Chinatown jail, with a budget of $3.8 million, is now expected to be finished by 2032, while the Bronx and Queens jails are projected for completion in 2031, and the Brooklyn facility in 2029.
Despite Mayor Eric Adams’ request to amend the law to reflect these realities, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams refuses to do so.
It raises questions about the credibility of her mayoral candidacy.
The insistence on adhering to the deadline for closing Rikers Island, without having adequate facilities to house 7,000 inmates, is a clear indication of the unrealistic expectations of New York City progressives.
The most sensible approach would be to construct new jails on Rikers Island and gradually transfer inmates as the facilities are completed.
The refusal to acknowledge the logistical challenges of closing Rikers Island years before alternative arrangements are in place demonstrates the disconnect from reality within the 2025 Democratic mayoral candidates.
