Andrew Cuomo wants to keep Rikers Island for jails despite opposition to the idea

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently proposed abandoning the borough-based jail plan in favor of rebuilding new facilities on Rikers Island during the Crain's Business Mayoral Forum last Wednesday, Oct. 8.

- By TANDY LAU

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs Raise the Age legislation. (Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of the Governor)

The independent mayoral hopeful called the city's mandate to move the city jail population into four "more humane" local jails as "a continuation of the legacy of the failed de Blasio administration."

"Let's be clear: Rikers in its current form must be closed — it is a human rights violation: outdated, unsafe, and unacceptable — but the borough-based jail plan was unworkable from the start," said Cuomo. "It has become a $16 billion boondoggle that will harm property values, drive away small businesses, disrupt schools, and has already divided communities, all while failing to deliver a safer, fairer justice system."

Under city law, Rikers Island's jails must close by summer 2027 with plans of moving the remaining population into new facilities nearby or next to four of New York City's five municipal courthouses. However, construction of all four facilities is almost certainly delayed past the deadline.

Also enshrined in city law is the Renewable Rikers plan to transfer NYC Department of Correction (DOC) control over the island to other local agencies to develop green infrastructure. Local laws require New York City to consider repurposing Rikers Island into a renewable energy site and wastewater processing facility after the jails close. Cuomo believes the current sites can be repurposed into affordable and mixed-use housing.