a high fidelity rendering of the detention center.

New Borough-Based Jails in Construction

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    The City has made a commitment to close the jails on Rikers Island and will replace them with a system of smaller, more humane borough-based jails. The construction of these four jails, located in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, is ongoing.

What are the borough-based jails?

The borough-based jails plan is based on three main principles:

  • Our jail system can be much smaller with thousands fewer people in jail
  • Our jails can be safer with modern, well-designed facilities that promote dignity for those who are held, visit, and work there
  • The justice system will be fairer, changing the culture inside the jails, fostering community connections, and providing greater access to services

Smaller

Jail capacity in New York City is being dramatically reduced. The new facilities will have a total of 4160 beds across facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Currently, the City’s jail system has 11,300 beds.

Safer

The new facilities will be the model for direct supervision housing. Each housing unit will be equipped with ample programming, support services, and medical spaces. Every jail cell will have direct access to natural light and the residential-style finishings and furniture will be comfortable and humane.

Fairer

The jails will be located within the boroughs, increasing access to communities and courts, while allowing people to maintain connections to families and service providers.


Public Meetings


Upcoming Meetings

Manhattan Community Design Workshop #2 [IN-PERSON]

 

Bronx Job Fair [IN-PERSON] 

  • Date: Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
  • Location: Bronx Borough Hall -- 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
  • Flyers: English  
  • About the event: The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) in partnership with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Bronx Borough President Gibson is hosting a Job Fair at Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse, on November 12th from 10AM to 2PM. The Bronx Borough-Based Jail (BBJ) team is participating, along with the DDC Public Bathroom Bundle (PRB) project. This event will connect Bronx residents with employers, community partners, workforce training providers, and City agency representatives offering information on career pathways, job opportunities, and contracting opportunities. M/WBEs, including local firms, are also encouraged to attend and learn about the opportunities.

 

Past Meetings 

Queens Community Design Workshop #3

  • Date: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
  • Location: Helen Marshall Cultural Center — Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11424
  • Access materials, presentation recording, and provide your feedback through https://bbj-qn.konveio.com/
    • Feedback period open until Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 11:59pm



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