“We are not evacuating Rikers Island,” New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a news conference on August 26.
Bloomberg announced a host of extreme measures being taken by New York City in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
These included shutting down the public transit system and the unprecedented mandatory evacuation of about 250,000 people from low-lying areas.
But in response to a reporter’s question, the mayor stated in no uncertain terms (and with more than a hint of annoyance) that one group of New Yorkers on vulnerable ground would be staying put.