A ROADMAP TO
CLOSING RIKERS

We are closing Rikers Island.

New York is leading a historic decarceration plan to close Rikers Island and replace it with a smaller network of safer modern jails.

EXPLORE PLAN

Latest Updates

BBJ Queens- QTWM Advisory Notice for 12/11 to 12/13

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Manhattan Dismantle – Weekly Construction Bulletin – 12/2/23 – 12/9/23

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VIEW ALL UPDATES
Brooklyn Detention Facility Atlantic Avenue View Concept Art
Manhattan Detention Facility Commercial Area Concept Art
Queens Detention Facility Concept Art

Upcoming Public Meetings

Community Board Meetings will be ongoing through design and construction. Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) meetings are held quarterly, recordings and presentation materials are available here. Please check back for dates as they are scheduled

Wed · November 29, 2023 · 6:00 pm

Manhattan Design Guidelines Workshop

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm *Doors open at 5:45 PM *Light refreshments will be served *Chinese language interpretation services will be available (Mandarin and Cantonese)

Please join us for a workshop on the Design Guidelines for the Manhattan Borough-Based Jail Facility! The Design Guidelines will be included in the new facility’s Request for Proposal (RFP) and will identify essential goals to aid design-builders in preparing proposals, inspire creative solutions, and support the City’s evaluation and selection process. The City previously received community input on the Design Guidelines in 2020. We are looking forward to re-engaging with you this Fall to review and update the document. Materials from the workshop will be posted online for virtual feedback following the workshop from November 30th to December 14th.
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LEARN MORE

What are the borough-based jails?

The borough-based jails plan is based on three main principles:

  • Our jail system can be much smaller with thousands fewer people in jail
  • Our jails can be safer with modern, well-designed facilities that promote dignity for those who are held, visit, and work there
  • The justice system will be fairer, changing the culture inside the jails, fostering community connections, and providing greater access to services

Smaller.

Jail capacity in New York City is being dramatically reduced. The new facilities will have a total capacity of 3,300, requiring 3,544 beds across facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Currently, the City’s jail system has 11,300 beds.

Safer.

The new facilities will be the model for direct supervision housing. Each housing unit will be equipped with ample programming, support services, and medical spaces. Every jail cell will have direct access to natural light and the residential style finishings and furniture will be comfortable and humane.

 

Fairer.

The jails will be located within the boroughs, increasing access to communities and courts, while allowing people to maintain connections to families and service providers.

INFORMATION

Beyond Rikers
Commitment Tracker

Closing Rikers
Timeline

The Borough-Based
Jail System

How To Get
Involved

Construction Updates & Borough-Based Jail Documents

Frequently Asked
Questions

A ROADMAP TO
CLOSING RIKERS