City Council votes in favor of shutting down Rikers Island

Rikers Island is set to shut down in 2026 after City Council officially voted in favor of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to close the infamous prison. The plan calls for not only the closing of Rikers, but for four new borough-based prison facilities to open in its place to accommodate inmates. Despite resistance from…

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Councilman Costa Constantinides introduces ‘Renewable Rikers Act’

Astoria-based Councilman Costa Constantinides is leading the fight against climate change in our city through the reveal of three bills which would transform Rikers Island into a renewable energy center. The series of bills, known as the ‘Renewable Rikers Act’, is also co-sponsored by City Council Member Helen Rosenthal. The legislation calls for the transfer…

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March To Close Rikers Comes Through Astoria, Saturday

Rikers Closure

This Saturday, September 24th, a march and vigil will make its way through Astoria, led by; celebrities, elected officials, community leaders and citizens who are all demanding that Mayor Bill de Blasio shut down Rikers Island. The rally is all part of the #CLOSErikers campaign, an effort backed by 98 advocacy groups, all pushing for Riker’s…

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