Morgan Avenue: Blood on the Asphalt, Silence from City Hall

Feb 10 - A 17-year-old boy was hit by a northbound SUV on Bushwick Avenue. The impact threw him down. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, leg, and foot. He stayed conscious. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was struck and injured by a 2021 Kia SUV traveling north on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV hit the pedestrian at its center front end while he was crossing outside a crosswalk. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious at the scene. The report does not list any driver errors or contributing factors. No violations such as failure to yield or speeding were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 10 - Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 10 - Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 10 - Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 10 - Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 10 - Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 9 - State DOT will not redesign the BQE. City studies a short stretch. Ten miles of highway cut through Brooklyn. Local leaders warn of neglect. Pollution and danger persist. No plan means more harm for people on foot, bike, or bus.

On February 9, 2023, Governor Hochul’s administration confirmed the state has 'no plans' to redesign its portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The matter, covered by Streetsblog NYC, states the state DOT will only provide technical help to the city’s study of the 1.5-mile city-owned segment between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized the state’s lack of engagement: 'The state hasn't engaged in any way shape or form.' Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said her community wants the BQE 'revisioned and totally changed,' citing environmental and health impacts. Assembly Member Robert Carroll warned that lack of coordination could worsen problems. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon echoed fears that her constituents would be left behind. The city, under Mayor Adams, has pledged a 'corridor-wide vision,' but admits nothing comprehensive can happen without state DOT. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but the state’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing harm.

• The State Has ‘No Plans’ to Redesign the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-09

Feb 9 - State DOT will not redesign the BQE. City studies a short stretch. Ten miles of highway cut through Brooklyn. Local leaders warn of neglect. Pollution and danger persist. No plan means more harm for people on foot, bike, or bus.

On February 9, 2023, Governor Hochul’s administration confirmed the state has 'no plans' to redesign its portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The matter, covered by Streetsblog NYC, states the state DOT will only provide technical help to the city’s study of the 1.5-mile city-owned segment between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized the state’s lack of engagement: 'The state hasn't engaged in any way shape or form.' Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said her community wants the BQE 'revisioned and totally changed,' citing environmental and health impacts. Assembly Member Robert Carroll warned that lack of coordination could worsen problems. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon echoed fears that her constituents would be left behind. The city, under Mayor Adams, has pledged a 'corridor-wide vision,' but admits nothing comprehensive can happen without state DOT. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but the state’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing harm.

• The State Has ‘No Plans’ to Redesign the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-09

Feb 9 - A pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg injury after an SUV struck her near Harrison Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, starting from parking, hit the woman with the vehicle’s center front end. Driver inattention and inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, an SUV starting from parking struck a pedestrian near 37 Harrison Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian, a conscious female, sustained abrasions and injuries to her hip and upper leg. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the collision. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605617 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - A sedan struck a 49-year-old male bicyclist on Grand Street. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted, causing the crash. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Grand Street collided with a bicyclist also traveling east. The bicyclist, a 49-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The cyclist's confusion or error also contributed to the crash. The sedan's right front bumper struck the left side doors of the bike. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - A 41-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in a Brooklyn crash. The sedan struck the scooter’s front left quarter panel. The rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries with minor bleeding. The driver showed signs of shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Harrison Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and an e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 41-year-old man, was injured with wounds to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling west, while the e-scooter driver was heading north. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The e-scooter sustained no damage, but the sedan’s left front quarter panel was damaged. The injured rider was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604162 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - State DMV boss Mark Schroeder told New Yorkers to send him photos of defaced plates. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher pressed him on enforcement. DMV says only owners can request replacements. The loophole leaves dangerous, unreadable plates on city streets.

On February 8, 2023, during a legislative hearing, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher questioned DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder about the surge of defaced and fake license plates in New York City. Schroeder encouraged the public to send him photos of unreadable plates, saying, "Send them to me. Tell them, 'Send them to Schroeder.'" Gallagher noted the widespread issue in her district and pressed for innovations to prevent plate tampering. Schroeder claimed the DMV would send new plates free to owners, but the agency's public process only allows car owners—not third parties—to request replacements. The DMV spokesman reiterated this policy, sidestepping the issue of public reporting. The loophole leaves enforcement weak and vulnerable road users at risk from untraceable drivers.

• State Car Boss: ‘Send Me Pictures of Defaced Plates!’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-08

Feb 6 - A 26-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury after a collision with an SUV on Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was distracted. The bicyclist was semiconscious and suffered a concussion without wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured after being struck by a 2021 Honda SUV traveling north on Driggs Avenue. The SUV hit the bicyclist on its left side doors while both were going straight ahead. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained a head injury, resulting in a concussion and semiconscious state. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 6 - A box truck backing unsafely struck an SUV on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. The truck showed no damage. The crash happened at 9:21 a.m. on February 6, 2023.

According to the police report, a box truck was backing northbound on Grand Street near Vandervort Avenue when it collided with a sport utility vehicle traveling east. The SUV driver, a 52-year-old woman, sustained contusions and injuries to her shoulder and upper arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors for the truck driver. The SUV showed damage to its left rear quarter panel and bumper, while the truck had no visible damage. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle while backing. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 5 - A sedan struck a 52-year-old male in-line skater on North 8 Street near Roebling Street. The skater suffered elbow and lower arm injuries with minor bleeding. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and followed too closely. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on North 8 Street collided with a 52-year-old male in-line skater riding along the highway with traffic at an intersection near Roebling Street in Brooklyn. The skater was injured, sustaining trauma to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with minor bleeding and shock. The report lists the driver's errors as failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely. The sedan showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The skater was not ejected and was identified as a pedestrian at the intersection. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 3 - A 22-year-old woman was hit by an SUV making a left turn on Grand Street. She was crossing with the signal. The vehicle struck her with its right front bumper. She suffered a head contusion and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Grand Street with the signal. The driver of an SUV was making a left turn and failed to yield the right-of-way, striking the pedestrian with the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers not yielding to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 3 - A bus traveling north on Bedford Avenue passed too closely and struck a merging sedan. The sedan’s female driver suffered back contusions and bruises. The bus showed no damage. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a bus traveling north on Bedford Avenue passed too closely to a sedan merging in the same direction. The bus impacted the sedan’s left front quarter panel with its right front quarter panel. The sedan’s 36-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining back contusions and bruises. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The bus driver was licensed and showed no vehicle damage. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602954 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A 38-year-old male driver was partially ejected and injured in a Brooklyn crash. The SUV hit the scooter head-on at Grand Street. The driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. Unsafe speed and failure to yield were factors.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Grand Street in Brooklyn involving a 2023 Jeep SUV and a Fly E Scooter. The SUV driver was starting from parking when the crash happened. The scooter driver, a 38-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed. The scooter driver also contributed by passing too closely and unsafe speed. The SUV's point of impact was the left front bumper, while the scooter was hit at the center front end. The injured driver was in shock and complained of pain and nausea.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A 59-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and fractured his hip and upper leg after a crash on Morgan Avenue. The rider was conscious but seriously injured. The collision involved an SUV hitting the bike’s front end, causing severe trauma.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male e-bike rider was injured and ejected during a collision with an SUV on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated hip and upper leg. The report lists driver errors including "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet, but the crash impact caused severe injuries. The SUV struck the e-bike on its left front bumper, damaging the bike’s center front end. The rider was conscious after the crash but sustained serious injuries requiring medical attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-02-01