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.

Latest 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

Tue · December 17, 2024 · 6:00 pm

Design Meeting #1: The Bronx Borough-Based Jail Facility

Please join us for Design Meeting #1 for the Bronx Borough-Based Jail Facility! Representatives from the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ), Department of Correction (DOC), and the project’s Design-Build Team will be seeking community feedback to be incorporated into the design. Meeting Details: Date: Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM) Location: Sobro Social, 221 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454 Topics of Discussion: Public Realm & Streetscape Interior Spaces Interior Public Spaces Building Exterior There will be additional opportunities to provide online feedback after the meeting. Please click the “Join Event” link to register in advance: If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to: Angel Pinto Community Construction Liaison Email: TheBronxCCL@bbinyc.com Phone: (914) 819-2153 We look forward to your participation in this important community discussion!
Thu · December 5, 2024 · 6:00 pm

Design Meeting #4: Brooklyn Borough-Based Jail Facility

Please join us for Design Meeting #4 for the Brooklyn Borough-Based Jail Facility. Representatives from the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Department of Correction (DOC), and the project’s Design-Build Team will show how the previous community feedback was incorporated into the final design. Topics of Discussion • Public Realm • Interior Spaces • Interior Public Spaces • Architecture Meeting materials will be available online for review and comment following the meeting. Please click the “Join Event” link to register in advance. If you have any questions, please contact: Lucien Allen Community Construction Liaison BrooklynCCL@bbjnyc.com P: (917) 270-2370 To request an accommodation for this event or inquire about accessibility, please contact DDC’s Office of EEO at DDCEEO@ddc.nyc.gov or call (718) 391-1776. We look forward to your participation!
Tue · March 26, 2024 · 6:00 pm

Community Meeting: Brooklyn Borough-Based Jail Facility Construction Kick-off

Please join us for a meeting with the Design-Builder for the Brooklyn Borough-Based Jail Facility, who will present an overview of the project’s construction approach. Representatives from the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ), Department of Correction (DOC), and the project’s Design-Build Team will be in attendance. Topics of Discussion • Design-Build Approach • Project Overview • Construction Schedule and Milestones • Environmental Monitoring Plan • Upcoming Construction Activities • Q&A If you have any questions, please contact: Lucien Allen Community Construction Liaison BrooklynCCL@bbjnyc.com P: (917) 270-2370

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.