CLOSING
RIKERS
ISLAND
CURRENT
PROGRESS
TIMELINE

2017

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his intention to close the jail complex at Rikers Island within 10 Years

City releases “Smaller, Safer, Fairer: The Roadmap to Closing Rikers Island”

2018

City hires Perkins Eastman to create a Master Plan for the borough-based jails

Aerial View of New York Oil Paint Render

City begins public review process (ULURP)

2019

City shrinks proposed jail system capacity from 5,000 to 3,300​

Aerial View of New York Oil Paint Render

City Council votes to approve the ULURP application for the borough-based jail system

City files the Rikers Island Public Place ULURP application, forbidding the incarceration of individuals on Rikers Island after the completion of the borough-based jail system

2020

City begins the procurement process for design-build teams who will design and construct the new sites

The process was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The expected date of completion is postponed from December 31, 2026 to August 31, 2027

Aerial View of New York Oil Paint Render

Rikers Island Public Place ULURP application approved

2021

City Council passes the Renewable Rikers Act, which transfers portions of Rikers Island from DOC to DCAS every six months and ultimately transfers ownership of the entire site or physical island to DCAS after the completion of the borough-based jail system

Queens Community Center Concept Art

Construction begins on the Queens Garage

All four demolition/site preparation contracts are awarded and registered

The RFP for the Manhattan jail is released