Manhattan plans new jail that may serve as mental health facility as Adams reconsiders ‘Close Rikers’ initiative.
Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is considering a significant shift in plans regarding the future of the Manhattan site designated for a borough-based jail that aims to replace the notorious Rikers Island facility. On Tuesday, officials confirmed ongoing discussions about the possibility of constructing a mental health facility on this location instead of a detention center. Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for Adams, clarified that while the mayor had previously highlighted the potential of the Brooklyn borough jail site for such a facility, the focus is now also on the Manhattan site in Chinatown.
This development follows a report by the Daily News that revealed the administration’s interest in turning the Brooklyn site into a mental health complex, with plans to replace jails with residential housing at other proposed locations. Although Garcia stressed that the administration remains committed to building borough-based jails, she did not deny that discussions about alternative uses for some sites have taken place. She indicated that the Brooklyn site might also be included in these considerations.
The proposal to build a jail in Manhattan has faced intense opposition from local officials and community groups, who argue that it is ill-suited for the neighborhood. Whether shifting the project’s focus to a mental health facility would address these concerns remains uncertain. For months, Adams has expressed interest in developing one of the new jails as a mental health facility, although he has yet to clarify which specific site would be best for such an initiative. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the individuals currently housed on Rikers Island have diagnosed mental health issues.
These internal discussions arise despite the city’s struggles to meet the legal deadline to close Rikers and roll out the borough-based jails by 2027. Current contracts for these facilities indicate they will not be ready to open by the mandated timeline, further complicating the future of the inmates presently held on Rikers, where the population has climbed above 7,000, primarily consisting of individuals awaiting trial. This number far exceeds the total planned capacity of the new borough jails, estimated at around 4,100 beds.
Moreover, findings from the Independent Rikers Commission have highlighted the need for additional resources, recommending the establishment of 500 new forensic psychiatric beds to supplement the proposed jail facilities. Such measures aim to balance the needs of crime victims, incarcerated individuals, and correctional staff.
Navigating any proposed changes to the borough jail plans will likely face significant challenges. The law mandating the closure of Rikers by August 2027 requires modifications by the City Council, which has historically shown reluctance to alter the foundational plan. Should Adams attempt to impose changes without Council approval, he may encounter legal obstacles.
As the administration explores potential adjustments to the jail construction plans, the fate of the detainees currently on Rikers remains a pressing issue, compounded by the inadequacy of planned facilities to accommodate the current jail population. This evolving situation underscores the complexities surrounding criminal justice reform and mental health care amid a deeply fragmented system.
