QUEENS: Residents Upset That The New Jail Construction Is Continuing

KEW GARDENS (QUEENS) NYC: The Department Of Corrections plan to shutter Rikers Island by 2027 and the the Department of Design and Construction has sent out a notice that it is restricting access to the area around Queens Borough Hall to lay the groundwork for the jail.

The community bulletin angered many residents who said they don’t want their neighborhood to house accused criminals.

Mayor Eric Adams has promised to continue former Mayor Bill de Blasio's $8.3 billion plan to replace Rikers Island with four smaller jails in every borough except Staten Island.

The jails would allow incarcerated individuals to be closer to their families as they await trial.

The other sites are planned at the Brooklyn Detention Complex in Boerum Hill, the Manhattan Detention Complex in Chinatown and the NYPD’s Bronx tow pound.

Earlier this month, Chinatown residents protested against the new jail planned for their neighborhood.

Opponents have submitted an alternative plan to build a more modern complex on Rikers

Political insiders say the new jails controversy could hurt Mayor Adams when he runs for re-election