No More Broken Bodies: Queens Needs Action, Not Excuses

Council Member Restler’s bill lets New Yorkers ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, or hydrants near schools. Twenty-four council members back it. The bill targets driver impunity and NYPD inaction. Advocates say it protects cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill number not specified. Sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, the bill is advancing in the City Council with 24 out of 51 members signed on as of November 7, 2022. It sits with the Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, who is working with Restler to streamline the complaint process. The bill’s summary: it allows residents to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or fire hydrants within 1,320 feet of a school, creating a $175 fine and a civilian complaint protocol. Restler and Brooks-Powers are refining the process to avoid the pitfalls of the city’s anti-idling law, which discourages participation. The NYPD and DOT oppose the bill, citing concerns about neighbor conflict. Advocates support it, highlighting NYPD’s failure to protect vulnerable road users. The bill is seen as a major improvement over the ineffective 311 system.

• UPDATE: Restler Bill to Allow Residents to Ticket Dangerous Drivers Gaining Steam, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.

On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.

• Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Councilman Holden and Borough President Richards fought online over congestion pricing. Holden called it a tax on workers. Richards fired back, sparking accusations of racism and party betrayal. The dispute exposed deep rifts over street safety and car dominance.

On November 5, 2022, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards clashed publicly over the MTA's congestion pricing plan. The dispute, reported by nypost.com, began with Holden calling the plan 'another tax on hardworking New Yorkers' and demanding a referendum. Richards retweeted Holden, suggesting an 'actual Democrat' should replace him, and responded to a supporter with 'Yeah white supremacy.' The exchange escalated, drawing condemnation from other officials. The matter centered on the policy to charge motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Holden joined a bipartisan press conference urging Governor Hochul to let voters decide. The spat revealed sharp divides over congestion pricing, with Holden opposing the plan and Richards defending it. No formal council bill or vote was involved, but the fight highlighted the political and racial tensions surrounding street safety and car use in New York City.

• Twitter spat between Queens Dems Donovan Richards and Robert Holden turns racial, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05

City Council passed a bill to map and expand greenways for cyclists and walkers. The plan targets neglected neighborhoods. It demands real infrastructure, not just paint. Advocates say it will open safe routes, cut danger, and connect the city.

On October 27, 2022, the City Council passed a bill requiring a comprehensive master plan for New York City's greenways. The legislation, championed by Council Member Carlina Rivera and supported by Transportation Committee Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), mandates the city to study, map, and expand greenways—'highways for cyclists and pedestrians, separated from motor vehicle traffic.' The bill focuses on low-income and underserved neighborhoods, with a final plan due by December 2024 and updates every five years. Rivera said, 'All of us are here today because we believe in a future where New Yorkers of all backgrounds... can safely access active transportation.' Brooks-Powers called it 'a real opportunity... to make a profound impact.' Advocates like Jon Orcutt of Bike New York praised the move, urging the city to build 'real infrastructure for cycling.' The bill passed nearly unanimously, signaling strong council support for safer, more equitable streets.

• Comprehensive NYC Greenway plan for bike, pedestrian infrastructure passes City Council, amny.com, Published 2022-10-27

Council Member Gale Brewer challenges DOT’s street safety boasts. She questions claims of 750 redesigned intersections. Public data shows far less. Most fixes are signal timing, not real protection. Advocates want proof, not promises. Road deaths remain high. Brewer vows investigation.

On October 5, 2022, Council Member Gale Brewer, chair of the Council's oversight committee, announced plans to investigate the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) street safety claims. Brewer questioned DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s assertion that 750 of 1,000 intersections were redesigned, citing public data showing fewer than 400. Brewer said, “I love the idea of using her committee's investigatory power to explore whether the Adams administration has indeed redesigned 750 of the promised 1,000 intersections... or whether it done fewer than that, as the agency's own public data shows.” She confirmed her intent to use committee investigators and hold an oversight hearing. The matter, titled “City Council oversight inquiry into DOT street safety implementation and data transparency,” highlights DOT’s lack of documentation and reliance on signal retiming over physical improvements. Advocates and Brewer demand full transparency and real progress. Road deaths remain high, and the city lags on legal mandates for bus and bike lanes.

• CM Brewer: ‘I’ll Hold DOT Accountable on Promises and Data’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-05

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Council Member Julie Won blasted DOT for stalling a promised pedestrian lane on the Queensboro Bridge. She called the agency’s excuses garbage. Cyclists and walkers remain squeezed into a narrow, dangerous path. DOT’s delays keep vulnerable road users at risk.

On September 15, 2022, Council Member Julie Won publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for delaying the conversion of the Queensboro Bridge’s south outer roadway into a pedestrian-only lane. The project, promised by the previous mayor for completion by the end of 2022, was pushed back at least a year. Won, whose district covers the bridge’s eastern approaches, led a walkthrough with DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and staff from Council Members Julie Menin and Selvena Brooks-Powers. Won said, “They kept saying they can’t give the south outer roadway to pedestrians because there would be traffic. Well, I don’t care about the congestion!” She forced the commissioner to stand in the cramped lane, showing how unsafe it is for both cyclists and pedestrians. DOT offered only minor adjustments, like repainting lines, which Won dismissed as “missing the point.” The agency promised lawmakers data to justify keeping five car lanes, but Won insisted the delay puts lives at risk and called for immediate action.

• Queens Pol: DOT’s Excuses for Queensboro Bridge Safety Delays Are ‘Garbage’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-15

Opponents of the 34th Avenue Open Street hurled slurs and lies. Community Board 3 spread false claims. Volunteers faced homophobia and xenophobia. Officials condemned the hate. The city’s plan aims to cut car traffic and give space to people, not cars.

On September 13, 2022, Queens Community Board 3 and the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance opposed the Department of Transportation’s Paseo Park plan for 34th Avenue. The board circulated an email with misinformation about emergency access and parking. Jim Burke, the open street’s volunteer leader, was targeted with homophobic and xenophobic abuse. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough President Donovan Richards condemned the hate, with Krishnan stating, 'Hate, homophobia, bigotry, threats have no place in our community.' Richards, a supporter of Paseo Park, said, 'We can disagree, but we need to be adults.' DOT spokesman Scott Gastel said the open street benefits the entire community, prioritizing pedestrians and children. The city’s plan removes curbside parking and adds plaza blocks, making streets safer for people.

• Opponents of 34th Ave. Open Street Resort to Bigotry, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-13

Brooklyn and Queens leaders want car-free Summer Streets beyond Manhattan. They urge the city to open roads for people, not cars. Advocates back them. The city says it will review. Families, children, and communities stand to gain space and safety.

On September 12, 2022, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called for expanding the 'Summer Streets' program to their boroughs. They wrote to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, 'Every year, we see how much New Yorkers enjoy the car-free street and associated activities, and we are writing to ask you to bring this beloved event to our respective boroughs in 2023.' The Department of Transportation said it would review the request. Advocates like Juan Restrepo and Jackson Chabot joined the call, demanding more hours and borough-wide access. Community groups stressed the benefits for families and children. The program is described as cost-effective, crime-free, and vital for community building. No formal council bill or vote yet, but the push is clear: open streets for all, not just Manhattan.

• Brooklyn, Queens Beeps Want ‘Summer Streets’ Too!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-12

Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway, once a six-lane speed trap, will shrink to two lanes. DOT will add a parking-protected bike lane and more space for people on foot. The redesign aims to slow drivers and shield those outside cars from harm.

On September 6, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced a major safety redesign for Seagirt Boulevard, a notorious crash corridor in Far Rockaway. The project, not a council bill but a city action, follows years of neglect and repeated crashes. DOT will cut traffic lanes from six to two, add a parking-protected bike lane, and expand pedestrian space. The plan also includes daylighting at intersections and improved markings. According to DOT, 'the project will improve safety for all users, providing connections to existing bike infrastructure and the reduction of a vehicle lane encouraging safer speeds.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the move, saying, 'Far too many people are killed and injured on our city’s streets, especially people of color, who are disproportionately impacted by traffic violence.' Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives added, 'DOT's move to turn car space into protected bike lanes on Seagirt Boulevard, while shortening crossings and expanding median space, will prevent speeding and make it safer to walk, bike, and take transit.' The redesign targets a stretch with 222 crashes and 87 injuries since 2019, aiming to end the long-standing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Long-Ignored Far Rockaway Speedway Finally Getting Safety Redesign, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-06

Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers sped through Queens after vowing to slow down. Cameras caught her three times in three months. She leads the transportation committee. Seventeen tickets in eleven months. Twenty-seven Queens crash deaths this year. No comment from her.

On August 17, 2022, Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers of District 31, chair of the City Council’s transportation committee, was reported for repeated speeding violations. The matter, titled 'Queens councilwoman hasn’t stopped speeding through NYC despite pledge to do better,' details that Brooks-Powers was caught by city speed cameras on April 24, June 23, and July 22, despite a public promise to 'do better' after 17 prior tickets in 11 months. She has praised speed cameras as vital for protecting 'motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.' Nearly all violations occurred in Queens, where 27 people died in car crashes this year as of July 31. Brooks-Powers’ record now qualifies her for the dangerous vehicle abatement program, which can mandate a safety course or impoundment. She did not respond to requests for comment.

• Queens councilwoman hasn’t stopped speeding through NYC despite pledge ‘to do better’, nypost.com, Published 2022-08-17

Turning parking into greenspace means fewer floods, safer streets. Asphalt traps water. Storms turn roads into rivers. Bioswales and trees soak up rain, protect homes, keep subways dry. The city must swap pavement for life. Action saves lives, not parking.

On August 16, 2022, the Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, discussed flood prevention. An opinion from a Transportation Alternatives staffer urged the Council to 'transform impervious driving lanes into green climate solutions.' The piece calls for bioswales and greenspace in place of parking, citing the deadly floods after Hurricane Ida. It highlights that 72 percent of city land is impervious, worsening flash floods. The author presses city leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, to repurpose street space for climate resilience, referencing the NYC 25x25 challenge. The message is clear: 'Our streets can become the solution to climate change and flooding.' No council vote occurred, but the advocacy pushes for urgent, systemic change to protect New Yorkers from future storms.

• OPINION: Want to Prevent Flooding? Turn ‘Parking’ Into Greenspace, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-16

Two sedans collided on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The unlicensed driver, speeding and intoxicated, struck the rear of another sedan. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. Both vehicles traveled eastbound at impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The driver of the first sedan was unlicensed and involved with alcohol. The report lists contributing factors as Alcohol Involvement and Unsafe Speed. The unlicensed driver struck the rear end of the second sedan while both vehicles were traveling eastbound. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected from the vehicle. The driver was wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. No other vehicles were damaged or involved in the collision. The crash highlights driver errors including driving while intoxicated, speeding, and lacking a valid license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4554741 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Fifteen Queens officials urge state and city to fund a study for QueensLink. They want trains running where weeds grow. They reject inflated costs. They say transit equity matters. They press for action, not delay. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 5, 2022, fifteen elected officials and two community board chairs from Queens signed a letter demanding Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams fund an environmental impact study (EIS) for the QueensLink subway expansion. The proposal, discussed in the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, seeks to restore service on the abandoned LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch, connecting Rego Park and Ozone Park. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, committee chair, emphasized, 'Transportation equity is a major issue in our city that must be confronted.' The letter criticizes the MTA’s previous cost estimates and compares QueensLink’s need to the state-backed Interborough Express. Supporters argue that if the state can spend $1 billion widening the Van Wyck Expressway, it can fund a study for transit. The EIS would include community engagement to address local concerns. The push is clear: more transit, fewer cars, safer streets for all.

• A Dozen-Plus Electeds Back QueensLink Subway Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-05

A new crosswalk and four-way stop sign now stand at Surf Avenue and West 37th Street. Years of community pressure forced action. The intersection, deadly for seniors and pedestrians, finally gets protection. Council and DOT responded. Locals, especially elders, celebrate the change.

On July 26, 2022, Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Transportation Chair, joined Councilmember Ari Kagan and DOT officials at Surf Avenue and West 37th Street. The matter: 'Surf Avenue gets new crosswalk and four-way stop sign, creating a safer intersection for seniors.' Kagan’s office led the push, with Brooks-Powers elevating the issue. Kagan said, 'It was one of the most dangerous intersections in Coney Island, not just for pedestrians but for drivers as well.' The crossing serves the Scheuer House senior facility. Community Board 13 and local groups demanded action. Brooks-Powers praised the advocacy: 'Now, your residents will be able to cross the street safely!' The intersection, once life-threatening, now offers basic protection for the city’s most vulnerable.

• Surf Avenue gets new crosswalk and four-way stop sign, creating a safer intersection for seniors, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-07-26

Two Queens council members want the city to scrap Jamaica’s busways. They say bus lanes hurt drivers and businesses. Riders say commutes barely improved. DOT stands firm. The fight pits car convenience against safer, faster transit for thousands.

On July 18, 2022, Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the city’s pilot busways on Archer and Jamaica avenues. The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the one-year, 24/7 busway pilot to speed up commutes for over 250,000 daily bus riders. Williams called her district a 'car community' and argued, 'there's only one metric of success for the bus lane and not looking comprehensively at how it's actually impacting the community.' Brooks-Powers claimed, 'People cannot access our local businesses.' Both members urged the city to end or shorten the pilot, citing business and driver complaints. DOT and transit advocates countered that bus speeds improved. The DOT plans to continue the pilot and survey businesses and riders at its end. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Two Queens Pols Want City to Eliminate the Jamaica Busways, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-18

Two Queens council members want the city to scrap Jamaica’s busways. They say bus lanes hurt drivers and businesses. Riders say commutes barely improved. DOT stands firm. The fight pits car convenience against safer, faster transit for thousands.

On July 18, 2022, Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the city’s pilot busways on Archer and Jamaica avenues. The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the one-year, 24/7 busway pilot to speed up commutes for over 250,000 daily bus riders. Williams called her district a 'car community' and argued, 'there's only one metric of success for the bus lane and not looking comprehensively at how it's actually impacting the community.' Brooks-Powers claimed, 'People cannot access our local businesses.' Both members urged the city to end or shorten the pilot, citing business and driver complaints. DOT and transit advocates countered that bus speeds improved. The DOT plans to continue the pilot and survey businesses and riders at its end. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Two Queens Pols Want City to Eliminate the Jamaica Busways, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-18

Transit groups and Queens leaders urge the MTA to fix its bus redesign. They want faster service, all-door boarding, and better outreach. They demand equity and safer conditions for drivers. The MTA has not answered. Riders wait. Danger lingers.

On June 29, 2022, a coalition of transit advocacy groups and Queens officials sent a letter to the MTA regarding the proposed Queens bus redesign. The matter, titled 'Transit Advocates to MTA: Queens Bus Redesign Needs Some Key Tweaks,' calls for five improvements: more frequent service, all-door boarding, better driver conditions, multilingual outreach, and equity transparency. Borough President Donovan Richards and groups like Riders Alliance, Straphangers Campaign, and Transportation Alternatives led the push. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance said, 'We are trying to be responsible by saying the bus design simply needs some improvements.' Advocates stress that redesigns must reduce racial inequity and expand access for marginalized communities. The MTA has not yet responded to these urgent demands.

• Transit Advocates to MTA: Queens Bus Redesign Needs Some Key Tweaks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-29

City leaders struck a budget deal. $53 million goes to the Streets Master Plan—far less than the Council wanted. Advocates call it a step, not a leap. The mayor and speaker skipped safety talk. Streets still wait for real protection.

On June 13, 2022, the City Council and Mayor Adams reached a budget agreement, allocating $53 million in operating funds for the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year starting July 1. This is a down payment on the mayor's promised $904 million for the Streets Master Plan, but falls short of the Council's $3.1 billion ask to double the plan's targets. The plan mandates 250 miles of protected bike lanes, 150 miles of dedicated bus lanes, and new public plazas. The official matter summary notes, 'the agreement provided far less for street safety projects than the Council originally sought.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams announced the deal, but neither mentioned street safety in their press conference. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, did not comment. Advocates praised the funding as a significant step, but stressed the need for strong implementation to protect vulnerable road users.

• THE HANDSHAKE: Budget Deal Seals Big Funding for Safety … But Much Less Than the Council Sought, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-13

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02