Ken Fisher provides his perspective on whether a plan to close Rikers Island, one of the largest jails in the country, and build four new borough-based jails in New York City will succeed in City & State New York. The plan was first introduced by former City Council speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, in 2016. Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed the idea the following year and has worked to execute the concept. Although receiving some opposition from criminal justice reform advocates who want smaller jails, and the correction officers union, as well as residents of the neighborhoods where they will be located, approval by City Council to close Rikers Island and replace the city’s jails at these locations is highly likely.    

 “When the mayor and speaker agree on something, it usually happens,” said Ken.

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