New York City Council Votes To Close Rikers Island

New York City lawmakers have voted to close the Rikers Island Jail complex, replacing it with smaller borough-based jails by 2026. The plan, supported by City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, aims to create safer and more humane facilities. However, there is opposition from locals concerned about neighborhood impacts and potential space issues if crime rates rise. Rikers Island, notorious for its violent conditions, has been a controversial part of NYC since 1935.

What significant decision did New York City lawmakers make regarding Rikers Island?

• To privatize the jail complex

• To expand the jail complex

• To increase funding for the jail complex

• To shut down the jail complex

What is the proposed alternative to the Rikers Island Jail complex?

• Outsourcing inmates to other states

• Increasing the number of guards

• Creating smaller, borough-based jails

• Building a larger central jail

What is one of the main concerns of those opposing the new jail plan?

• The new jails will be too far from the city

• The new jails could negatively impact neighborhood quality of life

• The new jails will be too expensive to maintain

• The new jails will be too large

What historical issue has Rikers Island been known for?

• Its luxurious facilities

• Its educational programs

• Its violent and brutal conditions

• Its rehabilitation success

What year did the Rikers Island Jail complex originally open?

• 1955

• 1925

• 1935

• 1945