Holden’s Streets, Holden’s Blood: The Toll Grows in District 30

Council backs tougher fines for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The problem grows. Lawmakers want stiffer penalties to stop the evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0467-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced June 20, 2024, it urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure’s title: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' Council Members Justin L. Brannan (primary sponsor, District 47) and Robert F. Holden (co-sponsor, District 30) lead the push. The bill targets drivers who cover or deface plates to evade speed, red-light, and bus-lane cameras. Data shows unreadable plates rose from 3.98% to 4.66% in one year. The city lost up to $38.7 million in unissued tickets between 2019 and 2022. The resolution calls for higher fines, confiscation of plate coverings, and registration suspensions. Lawmakers say this crackdown is needed to keep dangerous drivers from slipping through the cracks and to make streets safer for everyone.

• File Res 0467-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-20

A diesel truck veered on the Long Island Expressway. A Yamaha slammed its rear. The rider, twenty-six, flew from the bike. His helmet cracked. His body struck pavement. His breath stopped. The truck kept moving. The road claimed another life.

A deadly crash unfolded on the Long Island Expressway when a diesel tractor truck shifted lanes, according to the police report. The Yamaha motorcycle, traveling straight ahead, struck the truck's right rear bumper. The 26-year-old motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike. The helmet cracked on impact, and the rider suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, pointing to a critical driver error by the truck operator during the lane change. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The violence of the impact and the disregard for traffic control combined to end a young life on a highway built for speed, not safety.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729766, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Chevy sedan veered off course on Forest Avenue, smashing headlong into a parked Honda. Metal twisted. Glass bloodied. The driver, 38, conscious but bleeding, suffered deep wounds. The Honda never moved. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a Chevy sedan traveling southeast on Forest Avenue near Woodbine Street veered from its path and struck a parked Honda sedan head-on. The report describes the incident as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' highlighting a clear driver error. The Honda was stationary and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The impact left the Chevy's driver, a 38-year-old man, conscious but with severe lacerations to the head and bleeding, as detailed in the report: 'Metal crumpled. Blood on glass.' No contributing factors are attributed to the parked vehicle or any other party. The collision underscores the consequences of improper lane usage and loss of vehicle control, with all harm falling on the driver responsible for the errant maneuver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729454, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi barreled into two stopped SUVs on Cooper Avenue. Steel crumpled. The taxi driver, trapped and silent, suffered a shattered shoulder. Traffic flowed past the wreck. The crash exposed deadly risks of tailgating in Queens.

According to the police report, at 14:10 on Cooper Avenue near 80th Street in Queens, a taxi traveling east struck two stationary SUVs stopped in traffic. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The taxi's center front end collided with the center back ends of the SUVs. The 48-year-old male taxi driver was trapped in his vehicle with crush injuries and a shattered shoulder, described as sitting silent behind the wheel. The police report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to maintain safe distances and remain attentive, resulting in severe injury and vehicle entrapment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723901, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 70-year-old man alone in his Chevy lost control on Queens Boulevard. The sedan crashed forward, metal folding, his arm crushed. He stayed conscious, trapped in the wreckage, waiting for help in the night’s hush.

According to the police report, a 70-year-old man driving a 2011 Chevy sedan eastbound on Queens Boulevard near 64th Avenue fell ill behind the wheel. The report states the sedan 'slammed forward,' resulting in significant front-end damage and leaving the driver with crush injuries to his upper arm and shoulder. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle, but was pinned in the wreckage. The police report lists 'Illness' as the contributing factor in this crash. No other vehicles or road users were involved or injured. The incident underscores the dangers that can arise when a driver loses capacity while operating a vehicle, with the force of the crash causing serious harm to the lone occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720760, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan surged from its spot on Myrtle Avenue. Its front bumper slammed a 46-year-old cyclist. He flew, hit pavement, crushed. The car rolled on. Blood pooled. The street bore witness to another brutal collision.

According to the police report, a sedan pulled from its parking spot near 67-03 Myrtle Avenue in Queens and struck a 46-year-old man riding a bike. The cyclist was hit by the sedan's left front bumper, ejected from his bike, and suffered crush injuries to his entire body. The report states the cyclist remained conscious after the impact. The crash occurred at 2:00 PM. Police cite 'Passing Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the sedan driver's failure to provide adequate space for the cyclist. The narrative notes the car 'kept rolling' after the collision. The report also mentions the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is listed after the primary driver error. The crash underscores the persistent danger faced by cyclists on city streets when drivers disregard safe passing distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721160, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council wants DOT to study speed bumps and other ways to slow electric bikes in bike lanes. The bill targets crash hotspots. Sponsors demand answers. The measure sits in committee. No action yet. Riders and walkers wait for results.

Int 0823-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on April 18, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to study speed bumps and other speed-reducing measures for electric bikes in bike lanes. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law in relation to a department of transportation study on speed reducing measures for bicycles with electric assist operating in bicycle lanes.' Council Members Robert F. Holden, Justin L. Brannan, James F. Gennaro (primary sponsor), Farah N. Louis, Vickie Paladino, and David M. Carr back the bill. Their action: sponsorship and referral to committee. The study must pinpoint crash-prone spots and weigh the impact on all users. If speed bumps won’t work, DOT must suggest alternatives. The bill expires once the study is submitted.

• File Int 0823-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A moped struck a 78-year-old woman in a Queens crosswalk. Her hip shattered. She died on Grand Avenue. The rider, distracted, did not stop. The morning stayed silent. Systemic danger lingered at the intersection.

A 78-year-old woman was killed while crossing Grand Avenue at 80th Street in Queens. According to the police report, she was in a marked crosswalk when a northbound moped struck her head-on. The report states the rider was 'distracted' and lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The impact broke her hip and caused fatal injuries. The narrative notes the rider did not stop. No driver errors other than inattention are cited. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection; the report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction and systemic threats facing those on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718029, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council targets hidden plates. Bill slaps fines and jail time on drivers who cover or deface tags. No more hiding from cameras. Law aims to strip shields from reckless motorists. Committee weighs next steps. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 11, 2024, the bill bans parking, standing, stopping, or operating a vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.' Council Member Oswald Feliz leads as primary sponsor, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill hits violators with up to $1,000 fines, possible jail, and escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The measure aims to end the dodge—drivers hiding plates to evade enforcement. The committee now holds the bill for review.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

A moped tore through the noon silence on 60th Street, smashing into a sedan. Blood pooled on the pavement. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, was thrown and conscious, head split. Speed and disregard for control left the street scarred.

At the corner of 60th Street and 70th Avenue in Queens, a violent collision unfolded between a moped and a sedan, according to the police report. The moped, traveling west, struck the sedan's left front quarter panel with force, folding in the car's side. The moped rider, a 31-year-old man, suffered severe head injuries and was partially ejected, bleeding heavily but conscious. The police report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, underscoring the moped driver's dangerous actions. The rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet, as noted in the report, but these details follow the primary driver errors. The sedan driver, licensed and traveling south, was also involved. Noon sun, silent street—speed and disregard for traffic rules turned routine movement into trauma.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714982, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi slowed to park on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan struck hard from behind. Metal tore through the quiet dawn. A young driver, belted, bled from the arm but stayed conscious. The green light hung above, indifferent.

According to the police report, a taxi was slowing to park eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when a sedan struck it forcefully. The report states, 'A taxi slowed to park. A sedan struck hard. Metal tore through dawn.' The 20-year-old driver of the sedan suffered severe bleeding from his arm but remained conscious. The crash occurred while the light above stayed green and the road was quiet. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The data does not list any victim behavior as a factor. The report makes clear that driver distraction led to the violent impact, resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714402, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A city truck driver made an illegal turn and killed a pedestrian in Middle Village. No charges filed. Council Member Holden calls for a DOT review. The intersection has a deadly record. DEP drivers’ crash numbers are rising. The city stalls. Lives are lost.

On March 13, 2024, a Department of Environmental Protection truck driver killed Natalia Garcia-Valencia, 43, while making an illegal turn at 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Middle Village. The driver, Mitchell Roderick, remained at the scene but faced no charges. Council Member Robert Holden demanded the Department of Transportation evaluate the intersection, echoing the matter’s summary: 'Another truck driver has killed another pedestrian and has not been charged for the crash, despite having made an illegal turn.' The intersection saw 10 crashes and 16 injuries in four years. DEP drivers caused 269 crashes last year, up 25 percent. The agency’s record is worsening. Holden’s demand highlights a system that fails to protect pedestrians and lets reckless driving go unchecked.

• Another Pedestrian Killed by a Truck Driver; No Charge for Fatal Crash, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-13

A dump truck, turning right at 57th Avenue and 80th Street, struck a 43-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died there, morning light on the asphalt. The truck showed no damage. The driver failed to yield. The city grieves.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a southbound dump truck, making a right turn, struck her. The report states the truck showed no damage. The woman died at the scene. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, underscoring the driver's responsibility in the collision. The vehicle involved was a large Ford dump truck, classified as an oversized vehicle, which the report also lists as a contributing factor. The victim's behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted in the report, but only after the driver's errors. The impact, the loss, and the systemic risk posed by oversized vehicles remain clear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709152, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan struck a merging SUV on the Long Island Expressway at 3:42 a.m. Tire failure and driver distraction caused the crash. A 34-year-old man suffered severe leg bleeding and shock. Steel crumpled. Sirens arrived after the silence broke.

According to the police report, at 3:42 a.m. on the Long Island Expressway, a sedan collided with a merging SUV. The report identifies 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan, traveling west, impacted the left rear bumper of the SUV during its merge. The crash caused significant vehicle damage and severe injury to a 34-year-old man, who suffered heavy bleeding from his leg and was in shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report does not list any victim behavior as contributing factors. Driver distraction and mechanical failure were central to this crash, highlighting ongoing systemic dangers on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707759, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill demands DOT keep curbs high after street work. Low curbs mean water floods sidewalks. Pedestrians wade through puddles. Property owners get fined. Ariola leads, Holden, Paladino, Vernikov back her. Committee reviews. No action yet. Streets stay risky.

Int 0603-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since March 7, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring that the department of transportation maintain curb heights following street construction,' targets a simple failure: after street work, curbs often vanish, water pools, and property owners get fined for city mistakes. Council Member Joann Ariola sponsors, joined by Holden, Paladino, and Vernikov. The bill orders DOT to restore curbs to proper height after any street, sidewalk, or gutter work. The committee has not voted. The bill aims to stop flooding and fines, but leaves the daily hazard for walkers and wheelchair users unaddressed until passed.

• File Int 0603-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill Int 0221-2024 shifts sidewalk repair duty for city tree damage from homeowners to the Parks Department. Homeowners must report damage. City crews must fix broken, buckled, or hazardous walks caused by city trees. Private owners are off the hook.

Int 0221-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the parks department to repair damage caused by trees owned by the city of New York.' Council Members James F. Gennaro (primary sponsor), Robert F. Holden, Joann Ariola, Vickie Paladino, and Inna Vernikov back the measure. Their bill requires the Parks Department to repair sidewalks damaged by city-owned trees, removing the burden from homeowners of one-, two-, or three-family homes. Owners must notify the city if tree roots break the walk. If the damage is not tree-related, owners still have ninety days to fix it. The bill aims to clarify responsibility and ensure city action on hazards caused by its own trees.

• File Int 0221-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets auto shops, rentals, and gas stations clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines run $250 to $400 per day. Impoundment possible. Exempts car dealerships. Bill sits in committee. Streets may clear, but danger remains for those on foot and bike.

Int 0227-2024, now before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto body shops, mechanics, car rental businesses, and gas stations that use public streets for business parking. Civil penalties range from $250 to $400 per day, with impoundment for repeat violations. The bill excludes car dealerships and carsharing organizations. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Robert F. Holden, Erik D. Bottcher, and Vickie Paladino back the measure. The law aims to reclaim curb space, but the threat to pedestrians and cyclists from double-parked and idling vehicles persists. The bill awaits further action.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders DOT to study speed bumps at camera sites. If possible, bumps go in within a year. Annual reports track danger and decide if cameras stay. Carr, Louis, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino back the move. Streets may slow. Lives may change.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it commands the Department of Transportation to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. The bill reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary), David M. Carr, Sandra Ung, Robert F. Holden, Joann Ariola, and Vickie Paladino sponsor the measure. If DOT finds a location suitable, it must install a raised speed reducer within a year. DOT must also report annually, track changes in dangerous driving, and recommend if cameras are still needed. The bill aims to force physical changes where drivers speed, not just rely on cameras. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council Member Holden pushed a resolution to hike penalties for drivers who hide license plates. Obscured plates let reckless drivers dodge cameras and tickets. The bill targets scofflaws who endanger pedestrians and cyclists. The measure stalled at session’s end.

Res 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, called on Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The resolution, introduced December 20, 2023, and filed at session’s end, urged harsher penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The matter’s title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.2447/A.5234, which would increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' Council Member Robert F. Holden sponsored the measure. The bill aimed to stop drivers from hiding plates to evade speed, red-light, and bus-lane cameras. Obstructed plates let dangerous drivers slip through enforcement, putting vulnerable road users at risk. The resolution supported stronger tools—confiscation, registration suspension, and blocking vehicle IDs—to crack down on this threat.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council Member Holden pushed a resolution to hike penalties for drivers who hide license plates. Obscured plates let reckless drivers dodge cameras and tickets. The bill targets scofflaws who endanger pedestrians and cyclists. The measure stalled at session’s end.

Res 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, called on Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The resolution, introduced December 20, 2023, and filed at session’s end, urged harsher penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The matter’s title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.2447/A.5234, which would increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' Council Member Robert F. Holden sponsored the measure. The bill aimed to stop drivers from hiding plates to evade speed, red-light, and bus-lane cameras. Obstructed plates let dangerous drivers slip through enforcement, putting vulnerable road users at risk. The resolution supported stronger tools—confiscation, registration suspension, and blocking vehicle IDs—to crack down on this threat.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20