A bill is set to be introduced in the City Council requiring city officials to create a masterplan to convert Rikers Island into a green space by 2026. Mayor Eric Adams has been hesitant about the renewable energy plans for the island. The timeline to close jails on Rikers and build new ones has been delayed. There are discussions about using the island for renewable energy, affordable housing, a park, or an expanded airport runway. Councilmember Sandy Nurse is pushing for a green Rikers plan and will introduce a bill for a masterplan. The plan would include renewable energy projects and involve various city agencies. The closure of Rikers is contingent on reducing the jail population. Environmental activists support the renewable Rikers plan, but progress has been slow under the current administration. The bill needs approval from Adams or a veto-proof Council majority.
In a move to transform Rikers Island into a sustainable green space, city officials are set to propose a bill in the City Council that would require a masterplan to be developed by the end of 2026. Sponsored by Councilmembers Sandy Nurse and Lincoln Restler, the legislation aims to push Mayor Eric Adams to implement the renewable-energy plans for the island that were put forth by the previous administration. The bill is a response to the delay in closing the 10 jail facilities on Rikers Island, as mandated by a previous bill passed in 2019, which set the closure deadline for August 2027. However, Mayor Adams has been considering alternative plans due to a rise in the number of incarcerated individuals during his term.
The proposed masterplan will include the conversion of Rikers Island into a green space, with features such as a wastewater treatment plant, renewable energy generation and storage, and offshore converter stations. The plan will be led by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, in collaboration with other municipal agencies. The aim is to create a roadmap for the development of sustainable infrastructure on the 413-acre island, located in the East River.
While the Renewable Rikers Act, passed in 2021, focused on studying the feasibility of renewable energy sources on the island, the new bill aims to solidify a concrete plan for its implementation. The push for a green Rikers comes in response to concerns about public health and the environmental impact of building housing on a former landfill accessible only by a narrow bridge from Queens.
Environmental activists and organizations have voiced their support for the proposed bill, citing its potential to turn Rikers Island into a model of environmental progress, green jobs, and social justice. The closure of the jails on Rikers Island is contingent on reducing the incarcerated population to around 4,200 individuals, a goal that the city has yet to achieve. As of September 10, there were 6,525 people locked up on Rikers, compared to 4,751 when Mayor Adams took office in January 2022.
The masterplan bill, if passed, is expected to accelerate the implementation of the Renewable Rikers initiative and provide a clear roadmap for the future use of the island once the jails are closed. By outlining the costs, timeline, and scope of green projects on Rikers Island, the bill aims to ensure a smooth transition towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the island.
In conclusion, the proposed bill to develop a masterplan for Renewable Rikers represents a significant step towards transforming the island into a green haven. By focusing on renewable energy generation, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, the plan aims to create a model of environmental progress and social justice for the city of New York. The support of environmental activists, city officials, and community members is crucial in driving this initiative forward and ensuring a brighter, greener future for Rikers Island.
Source: TheCity.NYC
