She Survived Nazis and Chernobyl—But Not a Brooklyn Crosswalk

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 29 - An eight-year-old boy died after a Honda SUV struck him at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. He was dragged under the car. Blood pooled. His sister watched. The driver stayed. No arrest. The city investigates.

NY Daily News (2025-06-29) reports an 8-year-old boy was fatally struck by a 69-year-old Honda Pilot driver at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing when hit; witnesses saw him dragged from under the SUV. The article quotes, "I saw the kid being dragged from underneath the car by a woman." The driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made. NYPD Collision Squad investigates. The crash highlights persistent dangers at city intersections and the lethal risk large vehicles pose to children.

• Child Killed By SUV In Crown Heights, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-29

Jun 25 - SUV struck a 69-year-old cyclist on Bay 48 Street. Cyclist ejected, suffered arm injuries. Police cite failure to yield. Bike demolished. SUV undamaged.

A 69-year-old man riding a bike was struck by a station wagon/SUV on Bay 48 Street near Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash occurred when the SUV failed to yield the right-of-way. The cyclist was ejected and sustained injuries to his arm. The bike was demolished. The SUV showed no damage. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 24 - SUV and e-bike collided at 27th Avenue. Cyclist suffered head injury and minor bleeding. Police list all factors as unspecified. Streets remain hazardous for riders.

An SUV and an e-bike collided at 27th Avenue in Brooklyn. The 68-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering a head wound and minor bleeding. According to the police report, all contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the e-bike’s left side were damaged. No driver errors are detailed in the report. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this is noted only after the absence of identified driver mistakes. The crash underscores the persistent danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823925 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 23 - A sedan hit a 17-year-old girl as she got off a vehicle on Neptune Avenue. She suffered a leg injury. Police cite driver inattention and confusion as factors.

A 17-year-old pedestrian was struck and injured by a sedan while getting off a vehicle on Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the girl suffered a contusion to her lower leg and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The sedan showed no damage. The crash did not occur at an intersection. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 23 - Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 23 - Two cars crashed head-on in Brooklyn. A woman, 55, riding in front, suffered back injuries. Police cite driver distraction. Metal, glass, pain. The street stays dangerous.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, crashed head-on at Brighton 4 Street and Brightwater Court in Brooklyn. A 55-year-old female passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' No other injuries were reported. The crash underscores the risk when drivers lose focus. No other contributing factors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 23 - Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 22 - An SUV hit a cyclist on Neptune Avenue. The rider suffered head wounds and shock. Police list injuries as severe. No driver errors named. The street saw blood and fear.

A cyclist, age 26, was struck by an SUV on Neptune Avenue near Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered head injuries and severe lacerations, and was in shock. The SUV's right front bumper hit the cyclist. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The police report notes the cyclist's safety equipment as unknown. The crash left the cyclist injured, while the SUV occupants were not reported as seriously hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - A sedan hit a 73-year-old man on Brightwater Ct. The crash left him with a concussion and leg injuries. Police list driver errors as unspecified. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

A 73-year-old pedestrian suffered a concussion and injuries to his leg and foot after being struck by a sedan on Brightwater Ct near Coney Island Ave in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver was traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed, but the impact left the pedestrian hurt and conscious at the scene. The driver and a passenger were not reported injured. The incident highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - A sedan hit an SUV on Neptune Avenue. Three people hurt. Police cite traffic control disregarded. Metal twisted. Neck injury. Brooklyn street, early morning, danger clear.

A sedan collided with a parked SUV on Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn. Three occupants were injured, including a 25-year-old driver with a neck injury. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. The sedan was making a right turn when it struck the SUV's left side doors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors. The crash highlights the risk when drivers ignore traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - SUV struck from behind on Belt Parkway. Driver and infant passenger injured. Police cite inattention and tailgating. Metal twisted. Shock lingered. System failed to protect the vulnerable inside.

A station wagon/SUV and a sedan collided on Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. The SUV was hit from behind. A 23-year-old woman driving and a 1-year-old boy riding in the back seat were both injured. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' contributed to the crash. The sedan struck the SUV’s rear, damaging the left rear bumper. Both injured occupants of the SUV experienced shock. The system allowed distraction and tailgating to put lives at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - Congestion pricing cuts traffic jams across Manhattan and the metro. Streets clear. Delays drop. Fewer cars mean more space for people. The city breathes. Vulnerable road users gain ground. Data shows real relief, not empty promises.

On June 18, 2025, the Regional Plan Association released a report on congestion pricing’s impact. The study, covered by Barbara Russo-Lennon, found a 25% drop in Manhattan traffic jams, with smaller but real declines in the Bronx and New Jersey. The report states: 'Congestion pricing is delivering clear benefits, saving people time and the aggravation of being stuck in traffic.' Council Member Frank Morano and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton criticized the program, citing Staten Island’s smaller gains and health concerns. MTA Chair Janno Lieber defended the policy, pointing to improved drive times and transit use. Safety analysts note congestion pricing reduces car traffic, lowers crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages mode shift, and supports safer, more equitable streets. The program’s future now rests with the federal courts.

• Real road relief: Latest congestion pricing research shows fewer traffic jams and delays across NYC metro area, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 17 - A sedan hit two people walking against traffic on Brighton Beach Ave. Both suffered arm and leg injuries. Police list all causes as unspecified. Systemic danger remains unaddressed.

Two people, ages 15 and 40, were injured when a sedan struck them on Brighton Beach Ave in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both victims were walking along the highway against traffic when the crash occurred. The 40-year-old suffered arm injuries with minor bleeding; the 15-year-old had a leg contusion. The sedan’s left front bumper took the impact. Police list all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are specified in the report. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 15 - A black Suburban sped north on Coney Island Avenue. It struck a Volvo, shoving it into a police car. Two officers broke bones. A passenger flew from the Suburban. Blood pooled on the street. Sirens wailed. The driver now faces charges.

According to NY Daily News (2025-06-15), a 24-year-old man drove a Chevrolet Suburban while intoxicated on Coney Island Avenue. He crashed into a Volvo at Avenue U, triggering a chain-reaction that sent the Volvo into a marked NYPD car. The article states, "One police officer suffered a broken pelvis and arm, as well as head trauma, while another suffered a broken hip." A passenger in the Suburban was ejected and critically injured. The driver, Diyorjon Sobirjonov, was charged with DWI, reckless endangerment, and related offenses after refusing a blood-alcohol test. The incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired driving and the vulnerability of passengers and officers in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Chain-Reaction Crash Injures Cops, Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-15

Jun 14 - A child steps from a bus. A cyclist strikes. Bedford Avenue’s protected bike lane will vanish. City listens to complaints, not data. Streets stay dangerous. Cyclists and children caught in the crossfire. Policy shifts, safety left behind.

CBS New York reported on June 14, 2025, that Mayor Eric Adams will remove three blocks of the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn after several crashes, including one involving a child exiting a school bus. The mayor cited 'community concerns' and stated, 'After several incidents—including some involving children...we decided to adjust the current design.' City Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized the move, calling it 'pure politics' and warning, 'He is going to make this area less safe for pedestrians, for cyclists.' The article highlights tension between local complaints and street safety policy. No driver error is cited; the crash involved a cyclist and a child. The decision raises questions about how New York responds to vulnerable road users and whether removing infrastructure addresses underlying dangers.

• Brooklyn Bike Lane Removed After Crashes, CBS New York, Published 2025-06-14

Jun 13 - Two sedans collided on W 8 St in Brooklyn. One driver and a passenger suffered injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The street saw metal twist, glass break, lives shaken. The system failed to protect those inside.

A crash involving two sedans occurred on W 8 St near Sheepshead Bay Road in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. A 26-year-old female passenger was also injured. The report lists no contributing factors for the victims. The collision involved multiple vehicles, but only the sedan occupants were hurt. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus behind the wheel. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor. The toll fell on those inside the cars, not on the distracted driver alone.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19