Introduction to the NYC Mayor’s Race
The NYC Mayor’s race has taken an interesting turn with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announcing his plans to scrap the Rikers closure plan and build new facilities on the island instead of borough-based jails. This move has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among the city’s officials and residents.
Background on Rikers Island
Rikers Island has been a historically dilapidated and violence-stricken facility, with the city trying to turn the page on it by replacing it with safer and more accessible jails. The plan to close Rikers was passed by the City Council and enacted by former Mayor Bill de Blasio six years ago. However, the federal government has moved to put Rikers under receivership due to the city’s failure to address the safety and civil rights concerns raised by the island’s federal monitor and Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
Cuomo’s Proposal
Cuomo, who is running for mayor as an independent, revealed his plan during a Crain’s New York Business mayoral forum. He wants to replace the crumbling facilities on Rikers with new "state-of-the-art jails" and abandon the current plan to shut down Rikers in less than two years. Cuomo has pointed to the community jail plan’s cost ballooning from $8 billion to $15 billion to $16 billion and the construction of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan jails being years behind schedule as reasons for his changed stance.
Hurdles Facing Cuomo’s Proposal
Cuomo’s proposal faces significant hurdles, including the need for approval from the left-leaning City Council, which has shown little appetite to scrap the 2019 law. The City Council has expressed concerns that rebuilding on Rikers would cost 8%-15% more than constructing the borough-based sites.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Cuomo’s Alleged Cost Savings
Cuomo claimed that building new jails on Rikers would save the city billions of dollars in the long run. He said New Yorkers should trust that he can keep the projects on time and under budget, given his past success with major infrastructure projects, such as rebuilding LaGuardia Airport.
City Council’s Reaction
A spokesperson for outgoing City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams contended that Cuomo’s plan is nothing more than a political ploy as he seeks to overcome Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani in the Nov. 4 general election. The spokesperson said, "This isn’t a plan; it’s a political scam with no basis in facts or reality." The council spokesperson referenced findings by the Independent Rikers Commission that rebuilding the island jails would cost 8%-15% more than constructing the borough-based sites.
Mamdani’s Stance
Mamdani, for his part, has said he would "work to adhere" to the 2027 timeline. During his own news conference on Oct. 8, Mamdani told reporters that Rikers is a "stain on our city." He said, "To keep it open, it’s a betrayal, not only of the law as it stands today, but also what New Yorkers actually want."
Conclusion
The NYC Mayor’s race has taken an interesting turn with Cuomo’s proposal to scrap the Rikers closure plan and build new facilities on the island. While Cuomo claims that his plan would save the city billions of dollars, the City Council and other officials have expressed concerns about the cost and feasibility of the plan. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Cuomo’s proposal will play out and what the future holds for Rikers Island.
FAQs
Q: What is Cuomo’s proposal for Rikers Island?
A: Cuomo proposes to scrap the Rikers closure plan and build new facilities on the island instead of borough-based jails.
Q: Why does Cuomo want to keep Rikers Island open?
A: Cuomo claims that building new jails on Rikers would save the city billions of dollars in the long run and that the current plan is years behind schedule and over budget.
Q: What is the City Council’s reaction to Cuomo’s proposal?
A: The City Council has expressed concerns that rebuilding on Rikers would cost 8%-15% more than constructing the borough-based sites and that Cuomo’s plan is a political ploy.
Q: What is Mamdani’s stance on Rikers Island?
A: Mamdani has said he would "work to adhere" to the 2027 timeline and that Rikers is a "stain on our city." He believes that keeping Rikers open would be a betrayal of the law and what New Yorkers want.
