New York City Council Approves Borough-Based Jail Program

The New York City Council approved a plan to close and replace Rikers Island with four new borough-based jails that foster better connections between detainees and their families and communities. The siting of each facility necessitated a number of discretionary action approvals subject to the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, for which AKRF led preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to City Environmental Quality Review guidelines. The $8.7 billion plan is intended to create a modern, humane, and safe justice system for New York City.