De Blasio says he, first lady in ‘total agreement’ on Rikers
In a June 20, 2014, file photo, the Rikers Island jail complex stands in New York with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Credit: AP / Seth Wenig
Mayor Bill de Blasio insisted Thursday that he and first lady Chirlane McCray are of one mind on the prospect of eventually shutting down Rikers Island, saying the couple is in “total agreement” in support of the premise.
McCray in a Jezebel blog interview said closing the violence-plagued detention complex is a “great idea” because of its mental health treatment failings.
Her husband had raised cautions about the practical issues, including a potential cost of billions of dollars and the question of where the detainees would be moved. In the meantime, he said the focus needs to be on improving conditions at Rikers.
“We totally agree that it is a good concept, but we have to address this issue right now, so we need to get real about this,” the mayor said during an event near Union Square.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
