Construction to start on Chinatown jail despite fierce community opposition

"During a heated Zoom meeting Thursday evening, city officials told Chinatown residents that construction on a new jail in their neighborhood would begin soon and take an estimated six years to complete. Required by law to close Rikers Island by 2027, the city plans to replace its jail facilities with smaller, modern buildings closer to courthouses. The 1,040-bed jail on White Street, the final piece of that plan, is expected to cost $3.9 billion and to be completed in 2032."

"The jails plan, which calls for new facilities in every borough except Staten Island, will have space for around 4,500 detainees. The Manhattan location is expected to be the last one finished as construction is already underway at the other locations. The Zoom meeting was the first time the Mamdani administration made its case to the public about how it expects to move forward with the plan, which has been in place since 2017."

"A representative from Tutor Perini, the firm contracted by the city to build the new jail, detailed how construction crews plan to work from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, and then from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The construction executive maintained that the firm will do everything possible to mitigate vibrations and noise. But some community members on the Zoom were unconvinced and launched into vitriolic attacks in the chat, according to several screenshots obtained by THE CITY."

City officials informed Chinatown residents that construction of a 1,040-bed jail on White Street will begin soon and take about six years to complete. The city must close Rikers Island by 2027 and plans smaller, modern jails near courthouses across every borough except Staten Island, with capacity for roughly 4,500 detainees. The White Street facility is estimated to cost $3.9 billion and to be finished in 2032 and is expected to be the last project completed. Contractor Tutor Perini said crews will work long weekday hours and Saturdays and will attempt to mitigate vibrations and noise. Chinatown activists have protested, filed lawsuits, lobbied officials, and expressed anger in meeting chat, including messages like "Blood on your hands."

Read at Brooklyn Eagle