The Adams administration is adamant it’s not on track to close Rikers Island jails by a legally mandated 2027 deadline — but meanwhile it’s detailing how to turn the island into a hub for renewable energy and greener public works.
On Monday, the same day Mayor Eric Adams’ budget director, Jacques Jiha, declared to the City Council that “We know it’s not going to happen by 2027,” two city entities delivered reports ordered up by the Council declaring it feasible to build a new wastewater treatment plant on the island, along with solar, battery storage and new equipment to feed offshore wind power into the electric grid.
The reports came as a result of the Renewable Rikers Act, signed into law by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, which seeks to reinvent Rikers as a hub for renewable energy.
But for the city to realize the multi-billion-dollar green vision for Rikers Island, the jail complex on Rikers Island must shutter. That rests on the completion of four borough-based jails, at a cost that Jiha testified has now reached $12 billion.
Another impediment to closing: the current Rikers population of more than 6,200 is significantly higher than the planned 4,160 capacity of the borough jails. Outside criminal justice experts say the Adams administration can and should do more to divert people from jails while awaiting trial.
But Adams continues to cite the size of the jail population as a reason to be skeptical Rikers will close by 2027 and has called for a “Plan B.”
For backers of Renewable Rikers, the reports are a bright spot at a difficult time for those pressing to close the notorious jails.
The reports “reaffirm we can move forward with Renewable Rikers,” said Councilmember Sandy Nurse (D-Brooklyn), chair of the Council Committee on Criminal Justice. “Given the deplorable conditions on Rikers, the cuts to programs that get people out of Rikers and now more announced delays, it is a good thing there was something to show.”
Darren Mack, co-director of Freedom Agenda at the Urban Justice Center and an organizer of the campaign to close Rikers, described frustration at a climate of disinvestment in city communities that rely on government for services and opportunities.
He says he would like to see the Adams administration “restoring all these proposed cuts to all the city programs and agencies that vulnerable people and marginalized communities rely upon,” in addition to “making investments on top of that…with the construction of these facilities.”
22 comments:
They don't stop with their stupid green dream. Firstly I would LOVE to see this wind and solar power garbage even TRY to light up all of times Square AND all of the nyc subway system. It's not even strong enough to charge one EV. Not to mention that EVs are actually WORST for the environment than gas powered cars are. And with all the illegals the city has living In nyc prisons, it would not be possible to close the prison unless they actually start deporting all these illegals. Deport the illegals then maybe you'll be able to close rikers and build your ridiculous "green dream" garbage and your waterfront condos that you were so hell bent on building a few years ago. You can't have it both ways.
What could go wrong ?
Won't it be under water by 2040 ?
That's what the Climate Change Predictions point to.
Unprecedented Sea Level Rise
https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/climate-change.html
The projected 10 to 12 inches (on average) of sea level rise over the next 30 years (2020 to 2050) will be as much as the rise measured over the last 100 years (1920 to 2020).*
How will the Sheeple Stop the spend and bloat of government ?
Let NYC Sheeple wallow in their own destructive policies.
Is this an ad for real estate company?
The sneaky reason is ?
Renewable energy is for communists.
You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!
tic tok tic tok so sad
Where else can the Trumpturd family be incarcerated if this place is closed down?
Cant put windmills Rikers its within the LGA Runway 13-31 glide scope safety limit.
Keep it as a jail because he city is going to need it. This is because a good 80% of these illegals now believe crime and stealing is the American way.
These people never seen the cold, cant take the cold so their actions are limited to around these shelters and subways but just wait till the warm weather hits.
The real laughable part is New York residents Don't vote out these politicians.
The city will likely head to bankruptcy over the next few years.
How to Make the World Poorer, Polluted and Miserable
Its not hard guys, just remember, the Emperor has no clothes.
What do the NPC's think ?
Follow the money. All decisions will be based on real estate interests salivating to build on Rikers.
Never underestimate the stupidity of New York voters.
Participation trophies help people accept losing.
Bring back nuclear power plants. Don’t let Greta dictate energy policy.
Idealism dies real fast when reality shows up on your door step.
@"Participation trophies help people accept losing."
Says some fascist with a whole closet full of "Participation trophies".
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