Cuomo Proposes Rebuilding Rikers, Scrapping $16 Billion Borough Jail Plan
Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has proposed a significant shift in the discussion surrounding Rikers Island. Speaking in Chinatown on October 15, 2025, he suggested scrapping the current plan to close Rikers, instead advocating for its rebuilding. His remarks took place at the New York Chinese Community Center, where he emphasized his belief that the island is inherently fine.
Cuomo’s Plan to Rebuild Rikers Island
Cuomo’s proposal comes in response to the planned closure of Rikers Island, which must cease operations by 2027 due to a law aimed at reforming the city’s detention system. The closure is tied to a broader agenda promoted by an independent commission led by former state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. This initiative focuses on keeping incarcerated individuals closer to their communities and promoting alternatives to detention.
The Current State of the Borough Jail Plan
Under the existing framework, four borough jails are under construction, with a collective capacity of approximately 4,100 people. This project has seen its costs balloon to $16 billion and has been mired in delays. The jails are intended to replace Rikers Island and serve local communities more effectively.
- Current Rikers Island population: 7,000
- Planned borough jails capacity: 4,160
- Projected costs of borough jail project: $16 billion
This year alone, conditions at Rikers have worsened, with twelve deaths reported among inmates. Further scrutiny comes from a Manhattan federal judge overseeing a civil rights lawsuit, who is expected to appoint an outside overseer to manage the facilities.
Proposed Features for Rikers Rebuild
Cuomo presented architectural renderings for the Rikers complex, which include modern health facilities, sports fields, educational centers, and green spaces alongside humane holding cells. He called these plans “state of the art.”
To address concerns about accessibility, Cuomo vowed to implement direct bus and ferry services to the island from each borough. He criticized the borough jail project as a “boondoggle,” arguing that it would disrupt residential neighborhoods and not provide a safer system.
Alternative Uses for Jail Facilities
In his proposal, Cuomo suggested repurposing the already planned borough jails, particularly those nearing completion in Brooklyn and Queens, for affordable housing. This initiative aligns with his goal of approving 80,000 affordable housing units within his first year if elected.
Political Dynamics
Cuomo’s stance contrasts sharply with his primary opponent, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, who has advocated for closing Rikers and opposes the construction of new jails. Mamdani maintains he will follow through with legal obligations despite his previous position against new jail construction.
Political tension was palpable during Cuomo’s press conference as he criticized Mamdani’s evolving position, suggesting a lack of trust in Mamdani’s commitments. Community members expressed mixed feelings about the proposal, with some viewing it as a necessary evolution and others feeling it was intrusive.
As the mayoral election approaches, Cuomo’s proposal to rebuild Rikers Island and scrap the $16 billion borough jail plan will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around criminal justice reform in New York City.
