The New York Building Congress has released a new report
detailing how it would transform the Rikers Island jail complex after it closes
in 2027.
Called Building the Future of New York: Rikers Island, the
report urges the consideration of land uses that enhance New York’s
environmental, economic and social future for long-term, regional needs.
Closing the jail
facilities on Rikers Island is part of the city’s plan to reduce the current
jail population, close Rikers Island’s facilities and relocate the remaining
jail population to borough-based jails creates an opportunity for a more humane
and effective justice system in New York City.
Rikers Island also offers a chance to meet the built
environment needs of New Yorkers, says the Building Congress.
“Closing Rikers Island’s jail facilities not only brings our city toward justice and peace, but it also presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design, develop and build at a tremendous scale in New York,” said Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the New York Building Congress.
“We must think big and act now to redevelop Rikers Island to
meet the needs of New Yorkers and transform a dark stain on our history into
something that creates significant benefits for our communities.”
The island is more than 400 acres and has a utility network
that could be integrated into existing sewer, waste and power systems or safely
support a variety of activities, including those that require large plots of
land and are sensitive to environmental disruptions.
Bearing in mind the
site conditions and restrictions on Rikers Island, including limited
accessibility, proximity to LaGuardia Airport and landfill space, the New York
Building Congress has determined a list of feasible reuse options that advance
equity and sustainability and promote public good.
Concepts from the report for the future of Rikers Island
include:
Infrastructure, such as a solar field or battery storage facility to help New York transition toward renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; a more efficient wastewater treatment facility than older ones currently in use; or a modern composting site and waste-to-energy facility that would help the City achieve its commitment to zero waste by 2030.
Industry, including an industrial and manufacturing hub on
Rikers Island to create middle-class jobs and provide affordable space for New
York’s maker community; a green industry research campus to advance New York
City as a global leader in sustainability; or a job training and certification
site to prepare New Yorkers for careers in green industries or manufacturing
and promote inclusive economic growth.
Open Space, Parks & Recreation, such as public spaces
for walking, picnicking and enjoying nature or recreational facilities like
sports fields, playgrounds and a greenway.
Residential and Mixed-Use, including a combination of
single-family and multi-family units to increase the overall housing supply and
help the City achieve its goal of adding 300,000 affordable units by 2026, or
social infrastructure like k-12 academic, healthcare and cultural institutions
and commercial spaces like retail, offices and restaurants.
Transportation, like pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
or larger public transit investments to increase access to the island, like a
redesigned bus route running through northern Queens to include stops on Rikers
Island.
The Rikers Island report is part of the Building Congress’
Building the Future of New York series, which urges policy makers and the
public to return to a spirit of aspirational planning and building by proposing
substantive projects and significant administrative reforms that could engender
a new century of growth and success.
The report comes a month after the de Blasio Administration presented
its updated plan to build four new borough-based facilities.
“We are moving forward with our historic plan to close Rikers Island and create a smaller, safer and more humane jail system,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio of the legally binding mechanism for his and future administrations to complete the venture.
The City’s ability to close the island jails on Rikers will
be made possible by the continued reduction of the City’s incarcerated
population. Since 2013, the number of people in jail has dropped significantly,
down 61% from the 11,500 seven years ago.
The City has simultaneously invested in jail diversion for
those awaiting trial like the Supervised Release program, alternatives to
incarceration programs for those who would otherwise serve jail sentences, as
well as robust re-entry services to help keep those departing jail from ever
returning.
The updated plans presented to the City Planning Commission
include dates through the end of 2021 for request for proposals from interested
developers and architects to participate in the innovative design-build
process.
Designers and builders are paired to streamline the
construction process, from concept to shovels in the ground, while saving
taxpayer money. The borough-based program is the City’s first use of this
system.
The proposal process will have the added benefit of a peer
review as an additional step to ensure designs meet the highest levels of
quality. The Manhattan peer review is being facilitated by The Architectural
League of New York’s Executive Director Rosalie Genevro.
In September, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York became one of the first chapters in the nation to issue a call for architects to stop designing “unjust spaces of incarceration until there is measurable reform in America to apply the law without racial bias.”
The request for proposals to the pre-qualitied Manhattan
design-build teams to build new, smaller and fairer jails will be issued before
the end of 2020.
“We remain committed to moving operations into new
borough-based facilities that represent the very best in correctional design,
and providing the safest, most humane environment possible for those who work
and live in our jails,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia
Brann.
