New York City Considering Building A 40-Story Prison In Manhattan As Part Of Rikers Shutdown Plan

New York City is considering opening a new jail right in lower Manhattan as a part of a plan to shut down Rikers Island.

The plan was unveiled by mayoral aides during a meeting with community leaders on Thursday according to the New York Daily News. Natalie Grybauskas, a spokeswoman for the mayor, also confirmed the plan to the site.

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"We are considering two potential options for a facility in Manhattan as part of our plan to close Rikers Island, and are engaging with the community to gather input," Grybauskas said.

The administration is eyeing 80 Centre Street for the new jail and is considering transforming it into a 40-story building. The building currently serves as the city's marriage bureau. The city was also considering the Manhattan Detention Complex at 125 White Street as a potential location, but city officials are concerned that it might be too small.

Earlier this year, the city made its first steps in closing down Rikers. Six hundred detainees, as well as staff at the George Motchan Detention Center, were transferred to others sites. The move serves as a part of the city's plan to replace Rikers with a series of jails that will be spread throughout the five boroughs.

De Blasio first announced his plan to close Rikers back in 2017. He said that he plans to close the prison in the next 10 years.

Source: New York Daily News