a high fidelity rendering of the detention center.

New Borough-Based Jails in Construction

Learn More

    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


Past Meetings

  

BBJ Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx Call for Artists Info Session


  • Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 
  • The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) seeks artists interested in being commissioned to provide artwork for the New York City Borough-Based Jails Program (BBJ). The City will be selecting artists soon for upcoming artwork commissions at the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan BBJ facilities. This event will include a presentation about the Borough-Based Jails Program, additional information about the artist selection process, and a Q&A session. 
  • Related links:
    • The Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) and promotional materials can also be found at https://bit.ly/4cI4tUb.
    • To apply for these opportunities, please submit the required materials through the RFEI response form at https://bit.ly/4cZSRvH by April 20, 2026.
    • Links to meeting recording and presentation material: click here


*To review all past meeting materials, please visit the 'Project Updates' tab, click on the individual borough heading and visit the 'Public Meeting Materials' page.


Brooklyn Site | Queens Site | Bronx Site | Manhattan Site