As ‘Close Rikers’ grows ever more impossible, progressives insist ever harder on doing it
The latest report from the Lippman Commission has revealed that the closure of the Rikers Island prison complex by 2027 is simply not feasible. Despite this reality, the City Council is refusing to acknowledge the challenges ahead. The replacement jails, the first of which is not expected to be completed before 2029, will not be able to accommodate the current population of over 7,000 inmates on Rikers Island.
The de Blasio administration’s law mandating the closure of the 15,000-bed jail complex in two years has encountered significant opposition from local communities regarding the proposed borough-based jails. In addition, the project is facing numerous delays, a common occurrence in large government projects in New York City.
With each new contract signed by City Hall for the construction of replacement jails, the completion date continues to be pushed further into the future. The Chinatown jail, with a price tag of $3.8 million, is now expected to be finished in 2032, followed by the Bronx and Queens facilities in 2031, and the Brooklyn jail in 2029.
Despite the clear need for a reassessment of the timeline for closing Rikers Island, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is refusing to amend the law as requested by Mayor Eric Adams. This lack of acknowledgement of the practical challenges ahead raises questions about the credibility of her mayoral campaign.
The insistence on adhering to the deadline to close Rikers Island before suitable alternatives are in place is a reflection of the unrealistic expectations of New York City progressives. A more sensible solution would be to construct new jails on Rikers Island and gradually transfer inmates as the facilities become operational.
The refusal to acknowledge the logistical challenges of closing Rikers Island underscores the disconnect between political rhetoric and practical realities. Moving forward, it is essential for policymakers to prioritize public safety and feasibility when making decisions about the future of the city’s correctional facilities.
