Staten Island Streets: Blood on Their Hands, Change on the Table

Coney Island casino plan means thousands more cars. Roads will clog. Parking will vanish. Environmental review shows danger for anyone not behind the wheel.

On August 9, 2025, an environmental impact assessment flagged the proposed Coney Island casino as a threat to street safety. The report, filed with the casino’s license bid, warns: 'The proposed Coney Island casino would likely clog local roads with heavy traffic and overwhelm public parking.' Reporter Kirstyn Brendlen covered the findings. No council members sponsored or voted, but the review shows the casino could bring thousands of cars daily. The safety analyst notes: increased car traffic and parking demand will heighten risks for pedestrians and cyclists, discourage active transportation, and undermine street safety and equity. The system tips toward drivers. The vulnerable pay the price.

• Proposed Coney Island casino could bring heavy traffic, overwhelm parking, according to environmental impact study, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-09

DOT drops speed limit, narrows lanes, and adds barriers at Canal Street after deadly crash. Pedestrians and cyclists get overdue protection. Full redesign still lags.

On August 8, 2025, the NYC DOT announced new safety measures at the Manhattan Bridge's Canal Street terminus. The agency will lower the speed limit from 35 to 20 mph, narrow two travel lanes, and install concrete barriers after a driver killed a cyclist and pedestrian. David Meyer reported the announcement. No council member sponsored or voted. DOT says it will fast-track community engagement for a full redesign. Lowering speed limits reduces crash severity and likelihood, especially for pedestrians and cyclists near busy bridge exits, and follows best safety practices.

• Friday’s Headlines: Fixing Canal Street Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Kea Wilson spotlights Canada’s safer roads. U.S. deaths climb. Canada cuts bloodshed. Enforcement works there. Politics block change here. Vulnerable users pay the price.

On August 7, 2025, Kea Wilson published a policy analysis in Streetsblog NYC. The piece, 'Northern Disclosure: Canada’s Road Laws Could Help Save U.S. Lives,' reviews a study showing Canada’s enforcement—like speed cameras and seat belt laws—cuts road deaths. Wilson urges the U.S. to learn from Canada but notes political barriers. No council bill or vote is attached. The statement is too vague to assess specific safety impacts, as it does not identify which Canadian roadway laws would be implemented or how they would affect pedestrians and cyclists. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while proven fixes stall.

• Northern Disclosure: Canada’s Road Laws Could Help Save U.S. Lives, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-07

Poor DOT signs on Hylan Boulevard sow chaos. Drivers turn from the wrong lane. Collisions mount. Bus lane rules shift by the hour. The street stays dangerous for those on foot and bike.

According to amny (2025-08-05), collisions on Hylan Boulevard have risen due to unclear DOT signage about bus lane hours. Borough President Vito Fossella noted, “That’s one accident every four days where somebody perhaps unwittingly thinks they must turn from the middle lane.” The article reports 32 crashes in 2025 tied to drivers making right turns from the middle lane instead of the curb-side bus lane. Some signs list hours, others only say 'Bus Corridor Photo,' confusing drivers. The lack of clear, consistent information leaves intersections hazardous, especially for vulnerable road users. The report highlights a pressing need for better signage and clearer policy.

• Confusing Bus Lane Signs Spur Crashes, amny, Published 2025-08-05

A sedan hit a 19-year-old cyclist turning on Victory Blvd. The teen suffered arm injuries and shock. Police list causes as unspecified. The crash left pain and questions in its wake.

A sedan and a bicycle collided at Victory Blvd and Corson Ave in Staten Island. The 19-year-old cyclist was injured, suffering pain and arm trauma. According to the police report, both vehicles were turning—one left, one right—when the crash happened. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The sedan driver, age 62, was not reported injured. No helmet use or signals are cited as factors. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

SUV turned left on Broad St, struck moped. Moped driver hurt. Police cite improper lane use and passing too closely. Streets stay dangerous for those outside steel shells.

A crash on Broad St at Van Duzer St in Staten Island left a 39-year-old moped driver injured. According to the police report, an SUV making a left turn collided with a moped going straight. The moped driver suffered an arm abrasion. Police list 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed. The SUV sustained damage to its left side doors. No injuries were reported for the SUV driver or passenger. The report highlights driver errors, not victim actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Two sedans collided on Norwood Ave. Alcohol played a role. One driver suffered back injuries. Shock followed. The street bore the brunt. System failed to stop the harm.

A crash involving two sedans occurred on Norwood Ave in Staten Island. According to the police report, alcohol involvement was a contributing factor. A 44-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back injuries and shock. Two other occupants, a 21-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, were listed with unspecified injuries. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as the primary driver error. The impact struck the front ends of both vehicles. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829975 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

SUV turned left on Bay Street. Cyclist struck, thrown, head bruised. Police cite improper lane use and failure to yield. Streets failed the young rider.

A 20-year-old cyclist was hit and injured by an SUV making a left turn at Bay Street and William Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion. The SUV driver and passenger, both 65, were not seriously hurt. The police report lists driver errors as the main contributing factors. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, as noted in the report, but this was mentioned only after the driver’s failures.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829328 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Mayor Adams stalled Third Avenue’s redesign. He once called it urgent. Now, cyclists and walkers face the same deadly street. Cars dominate. Promises break. Blood stains linger.

On July 17, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams delayed Brooklyn’s Third Avenue safety redesign. The project, once 'at the top of our list,' now sits idle. Streetsblog NYC reported the mayor’s reversal. No council vote or committee action is recorded. Adams’s move keeps pedestrians and cyclists exposed to known hazards. A safety analyst notes: Delaying redesign postpones critical improvements, keeps dangers in place, and discourages walking and biking. The city’s inaction leaves Third Avenue deadly for all outside a car.

• Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-17

Ex-Commissioner Tom Donlon says Adams insiders fueled deadly NYPD chases. Cyclists, kids, and bystanders paid. Streets turned chaotic. Policy ignored. Trust shattered. Vulnerable road users left exposed.

""The NYPD is led by the best, brightest and most honorable professionals in the nation — and their results speak for themselves: crime continues to fall across the city, with shootings at the lowest level in recorded history. We will respond in court, where we are confident these absurd claims will be disproven."" -- Charles Fall

On July 16, 2025, former NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a civil racketeering suit, alleging 'deadly and unconstitutional high-speed vehicle chases' under Mayor Adams. The complaint, reported by Streetsblog NYC, claims the NYPD's Community Response Team operated as a rogue unit, answerable only to City Hall, with Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry allowing reckless pursuits. Donlon cites deaths and injuries, including cyclist Amanda Servedio. The suit alleges 398 crashes and 315 injuries in 2024—a 47% jump. Donlon's allegations highlight how high-speed chases increase risk to pedestrians and cyclists, introducing unpredictable, dangerous driving and eroding public trust in safe, equitable enforcement. No council bill or committee action is tied to this event.

• Former NYPD Boss Says Deadly High Speed Chases Were Result Of ‘Rogue’ Adams Insiders, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-16

Council bill lets ambulettes drive and double-park in bus lanes. More vehicles in bus lanes mean more risk for people walking, biking, and waiting at curbs. Danger grows where curb chaos reigns.

Bill Int 1339-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since July 14, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...exempting ambulettes from certain bus lane restrictions and allowing them to double park to assist passengers,' would let ambulettes drive, stop, and double-park in bus lanes to help passengers. Council Member Julie Menin sponsors, joined by Linda Lee, Frank Morano, Eric Dinowitz, Lynn C. Schulman, Kamillah Hanks, Carlina Rivera, and Chris Banks. Allowing more vehicles to double-park and block bus lanes increases risk for pedestrians and cyclists at the curb. The city’s most vulnerable will face more conflict and less safe space.

• File Int 1339-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-07-14

A 16-year-old on an e-scooter died after a collision with a Hyundai in Staten Island. Head trauma proved fatal. Police are investigating. The driver stayed at the scene. No arrests. Another scooter death followed days later.

The Brooklyn Paper (2025-07-13) reports a fatal crash on June 29 in Staten Island. Sixteen-year-old Nacere Ellis, riding an electric scooter, collided with a westbound Hyundai Tucson. The article states, 'Ellis suffered head trauma as a result of the crash.' The 79-year-old driver remained at the scene. NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. No charges have been filed. The report notes a similar fatal scooter crash days earlier in Queens. The incidents highlight ongoing risks for micromobility users and the need for systemic safety measures.

• Teen E-Scooter Rider Killed In Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-07-13

Years pass. Bus speeds crawl. City dodges real bus rapid transit. Riders wait. Streets choke. Vulnerable users stuck with slow, crowded, unsafe options. Nothing changes. Safety stands still.

On July 11, 2025, Dave Colon spotlighted two reports slamming New York City’s failure to deliver real bus rapid transit. The reports state, 'Years of bus priority projects have barely improved speeds because New York City leaders have not implemented real bus rapid transit (BRT).' Colon, reporting for Streetsblog NYC, supports comprehensive BRT and opposes the city’s piecemeal fixes. Mayor Adams and city agencies have not acted on key recommendations. The safety analyst notes: the lack of real BRT means missed chances for mode shift and street equity, but does not directly worsen conditions for pedestrians and cyclists; the status quo remains unchanged.

• Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-11

A motorcyclist died on Bay Street when an SUV turned improperly. Unsafe speed and a sudden U-turn left one dead, others shaken. Metal and bodies collided. The street stayed silent.

A fatal crash on Bay Street at Norwood Avenue in Staten Island left a 34-year-old male motorcyclist dead. According to the police report, a motorcycle and an SUV collided as the SUV was making a U-turn. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered fatal injuries. Three other occupants, including the SUV driver, sustained unspecified injuries. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of improper turns and unsafe speed on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Two drivers hurt when sedan and dump truck collide on Bay Street. Both vehicles struck head-on. Police cite failure to yield. Metal and bodies break. Streets stay dangerous.

A sedan and a dump truck crashed at 215 Bay Street in Staten Island. Two drivers, men aged 67 and 29, suffered leg injuries. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The sedan hit the truck's left side doors, while the truck took the impact on its side. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The force left both drivers injured, one with a fracture. The system failed to protect those inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Mayor Adams halts 34th Street busway. Streets stay clogged. Pedestrians and bus riders lose. Car dominance remains. Safety and equity stalled.

On July 3, 2025, the Adams administration paused the 34th Street busway project, as reported by Streetsblog NYC. The matter, described as a 'highly-anticipated 34th Street busway,' had support from Council Members Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, and others. Bottcher called it 'transformative,' promising fewer crashes and faster buses. Powers slammed the last-minute reversal. Safety analysts warn: canceling the busway preserves car dominance, discourages transit, and keeps streets unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s future is uncertain. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

• Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

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

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

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

A sedan hit a 13-year-old boy on Bay Street. The crash left him with leg injuries. The driver kept straight. Police list no clear cause. The street failed to protect the child.

A 13-year-old pedestrian was struck and injured by a sedan on Bay Street near Norwood Avenue in Staten Island. According to the police report, the boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan, driven by a 66-year-old man, was traveling straight ahead and struck the child at the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The crash highlights the danger faced by young pedestrians outside intersections in New York City.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18