Rikers Replacement Jail Set to Open in 2027

Construction has officially started on the Brooklyn Detention Center, a highly debated 15-story jail complex located at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. The project, developed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, will span 712,150 square feet and stand at 339 feet tall. Once completed, the facility will have a capacity of 1,040 inmates, along with 30,000 square feet of community facility space and 100 enclosed parking spaces.

The redevelopment of the Brooklyn Detention Center has been met with strong opposition from the community, with many residents and local officials arguing that the new jail will not only be an eyesore, but also a poor solution for addressing issues within the city's criminal justice system. In addition, the project has faced numerous delays and legal battles, further fueling the controversy surrounding the development.

The new jail will replace the defunct Brooklyn Detention Complex and will be bounded by Atlantic Avenue, Boerum Place, and Smith and State Streets. It will also include two cellar levels, two loading berths, and an underground tunnel connecting to the adjacent courthouse.

Despite the criticism and setbacks, the NYC Department of Design and Construction remains committed to completing the project, with an expected completion date set for 2027. The agency has stated that the new detention center will provide a more humane and modern environment for inmates, along with improved community facilities and parking options.

However, with construction now underway, it remains to be seen how the new Brooklyn Detention Center will ultimately impact the surrounding neighborhood and the community as a whole.