New York, NY – As part of its ongoing commitment to close the jail facilities at Rikers Island, New York City began the land use process to officially prohibit the incarceration of the individual after December 31, 2026.
This is the first step in the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP) to change Riker’s designation on the official city map to a public place. The borough-based jail system is expected to be in operation by 2026.
“This is a major step for New York City and shows our deep commitment to closing Rikers Island. We are moving away from the failed policies of mass incarceration and showing the world that Riker’s days are numbered,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.
This procedure is solely focused on changing the mapping of Rikers to end its use as a jail.
“By guaranteeing that Rikers will never again be used for incarceration, we’re charting a new course forward for the Island and the people of New York City. We’re making good on our promise to close Rikers once and for all. Though mass incarceration may not have started here, we’ll do all we can to make sure it ends here,” said Mayor de Bill Blasio
