Rikers Island — a chaotic and violent place for decades — is headed for a federal takeover.

An independent manager is likely to be appointed this year before a new mayor takes office.

What You Need To Know

City law says Rikers Island must close by August 2027

Jails that are supposed to replace Rikers are far behind schedule

Mayoral candidates have different solutions about what to do next

Nonetheless, the island, its required closure in 2027 — a deadline city officials acknowledge is impossible to meet. And the construction of replacement facilities is one of the biggest challenges facing the next mayor.

"Rikers is a disaster for New York City in terms of public safety, fiscal sanity, even basic morality,” Zachary Katznelson of the Independent Rikers Commission, said. “As a city, we

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