STATEMENT FROM CAMPAIGN TO CLOSE RIKERS ON THE CLOSURE OF “THE BOAT”
Today, Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to permanently close the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center (widely known as “The Boat”) and to launch a process for redevelopment of the land that it has sat adjacent to.
In response, the Campaign to Close Rikers issued the following statement:
Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda, said “Like Rikers, the Boat has facilitated mass incarceration and dehumanization. Today’s announcement is a victory for all of our members who have suffered its harms, and raised their voices to call for its closure. At the same time, we condemn the actions the mayor has taken to worsen conditions at Rikers and swell the jail population, while stalling its closure. It is still not too late for Eric Adams to make good on his previous promises. He can ensure that our next City budget makes real, substantial investments in community-based mental health services, Justice Involved Supportive Housing, and diversion and reentry programs. He can permanently close the vacant Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers. And he can ensure that the land freed up by the Boat’s closure is used in a way that will create opportunities for people and communities - like Hunts Point - which have been targeted by the criminal punishment system.”
Cynthia Acevedo, sister of Gregory Acevedo said, "I'm relieved that the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center is being decommissioned. It's a step towards improving the city's correctional system and hopefully bringing about better conditions for those incarcerated. My brother Gregory Acevedo's death was a devastating consequence of the neglect and inadequate care at the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, and it's crucial to hold those in charge accountable for ensuring the well-being of inmates. For the site where the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center barge was docked, it's a good idea to involve the local community in deciding its future use. This could include public meetings and hearings to gather input and feedback, community surveys or questionnaires to understand residents' priorities, collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders to identify potential uses that benefit the community, and considering options like parks, community centers, or affordable housing that align with community needs. By engaging the community, the city can ensure the site is repurposed in a way that reflects the needs and values of the surrounding neighborhood.”
“Today’s announcement marks a step in the right direction towards New York City rehabilitating our justice system. The next and vitally important move is to ensure Rikers stays on track to keep the legally mandated deadline to close. As the city readies to finalize its budget it is imperative that investments in community-based alternatives are included. Mental Health, Supportive Housing, ATI and ATD programs among others have a proven track record of success in reducing recidivism. Now is the time to fully fund these needed resources,” said Reverend Wendy Calderón-Payne, Executive Director, Urban Youth Alliance (BronxConnect).
“Today's announcement prompts deep reflection among community members who have faced DOC hardships or lost loved ones due to the inhumane conditions on the boat. It is evident that the deplorable environment associated with Rikers Island was also a part of the boat's legacy, a vessel symbolizing grave injustices similar to those of slave ships. The land freed by The Boat's closure should be developed to provide genuine opportunities for the Bronx communities that have suffered throughout its existence. It is crucial to ensure that Rikers meets the legally mandated deadline for closure. With women now forced to share their Rikers facility with men, they should be the next group, immediately relocated from the island. Our city's budget must prioritize essential investments in communities affected by systemic racism. Increasing funding for Justice Involved Supportive Housing, community-based mental health services, childcare, and reentry and diversion programs can help heal impacted families, create a foundation for family reunification, while also reducing recidivism,” stated Chaplain Dr. Victoria A. Phillips, Director of Community, Health, and Justice Advocacy at the Women's Community Justice Association.
###