New York’s notorious prison could be transformed into a green hub

Under this plan, Rikers would become home to solar panels, battery storage, and brand-new wastewater facilities that support the nearby neighbourhoods of the Bronx and Queens.

A major part of the plan has involved voices from the Renewable Rikers Coalition, a collection of organisations which represent individuals who were previously incarcerated in the facility.

They have suggested offering solar panel installation and repair training to former prisoners in order to provide them with jobs at the sustainability hub. Employing former prisoners, they say, will benefit families scarred by experiences with the prison.

The new green facility on Rikers Island would replace the noxious power and sewage treatment plants located inside neighbourhoods of the Bronx and Queens.

By outsourcing these processes, an extra 182 acres of land would be freed up for residents. This space could be later transformed into playgrounds, community centres, parks, or anything else needed by locals.

On top of this, Rikers would still have enough leftover room to install recycling and composting hubs that support the city’s waste management..

Speaking of the project, the RPA’s vice president Moses Gates said,’ Following through on the vision for a renewable Rikers is a can’t-miss opportunity for the city to reach its decarbonisation goals while serving as a national model for climate-focused redistributive justice.’

Let’s hope we see this specific plan – or something similar – come to life in the coming years.