Greenpoint Bleeds—Demand Safe Streets Now

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-05-22

A sedan traveling south on McGuinness Boulevard was struck on its left rear quarter panel by a tractor truck. The sedan’s female driver, 55, was injured and went into shock. The truck driver failed to maintain safe lane control, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a tractor truck diesel traveling south on McGuinness Boulevard collided with the left rear quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The sedan’s 55-year-old female driver was injured and experienced shock. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as a contributing factor, indicating the truck driver’s error in lane control. Both drivers were licensed. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused damage to the left rear quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632381 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan struck a 23-year-old female bicyclist on Provost Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. The driver was starting from parking and hit the bike’s left side. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan starting from parking struck a bicyclist traveling straight ahead on Provost Street in Brooklyn. The 23-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and sustained a contusion and upper arm injury. The report lists the driver’s errors as improper passing or lane usage and driver inattention or distraction. The impact occurred on the sedan’s left side doors, while the bike showed no damage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash left the cyclist injured but conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 2023-05-16

City will cut car lanes, add protected bike lanes, and shorten crosswalks on McGuinness Boulevard. The redesign follows deadly crashes and strong advocacy. Officials call it transformative. DOT claims similar changes cut deaths and injuries by 30 percent.

On May 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a major redesign for McGuinness Boulevard in north Brooklyn. The plan, presented to Community Board 1's Transportation Committee, will remove a car lane in each direction and install protected bike lanes along a 1.1-mile stretch from Meeker Avenue to the Pulaski Bridge. The official summary states the overhaul will 'reconfigure the 1.1-mile stretch... following advocacy for safety upgrades after multiple deaths.' Council Member Lincoln Restler and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher praised the plan, calling it 'transformative' and pledging support. DOT statistics show similar road diets reduce deaths and serious injuries by 30 percent. The redesign includes shorter crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and new loading zones. This action responds to a history of crashes and the 2021 hit-and-run killing of teacher Matthew Jensen.

• EXCLU: McGuinness Blvd. to Go On Road Diet for Protected Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

A motorbike traveling south struck a sedan moving east on Franklin Street in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on Franklin Street collided with a sedan traveling east. The motorcyclist, a 59-year-old male driver, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The sedan was a 2017 Nissan with two occupants. Both vehicles were going straight ahead before impact, which occurred at the center front end of the motorcycle and the left front quarter panel of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 31-year-old man riding south on Manhattan Avenue hit a vehicle’s rear. Driver inattention caused the crash. The cyclist suffered a bruised shoulder and arm. No helmet. Streets failed him.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on Manhattan Avenue collided with the left rear quarter panel of a vehicle also heading south. The bicyclist suffered a contusion and bruising to his shoulder and upper arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No helmet was worn by the cyclist, as noted in the report. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash highlights the danger posed by distracted drivers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 36-year-old woman was struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Engert Avenue. The BMW sedan made a right turn and hit her with its right front bumper. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan making a right turn on Engert Avenue struck a 36-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, suffering contusions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregarding traffic control. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal. The driver failed to maintain attention while turning, leading to the collision. No other safety equipment or victim actions were noted as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

City Hall floats three-lane BQE. Electeds push back. Two lanes, they say, or fewer. Advocates want transit, not more highway. Officials call City Hall’s claims false. The fight is sharp. Vulnerable road users watch as cars and trucks rule the debate.

On March 3, 2023, City Hall reignited debate over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) lane count. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi claimed some locals want three lanes each way, but 17 elected officials, including State Sen. Julia Salazar, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and Council Member Lincoln Restler, publicly rejected the idea. Salazar said, 'no to three lanes. Two lanes at most.' Gounardes confirmed, 'all support a two-lane highway.' Gallagher wrote, '2 lanes if any.' Restler called City Hall’s statements 'plainly inaccurate.' The Department of Transportation delayed environmental review to study both options. Advocates and officials urge investment in mass transit, not highway expansion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city weighs more lanes for cars and trucks.

• City Hall: We Hear that People Want to Keep Three-Lane BQE (Really?!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-03

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

The BQE slices through North Brooklyn, choking streets with noise and fumes. City leaders have tools to force state DOT to the table but hold back. Advocates demand Adams use his power. The highway’s shadow falls hardest on those walking and biking nearby.

This opinion piece, published February 21, 2023, calls on Mayor Adams to wield the city’s legal leverage over the state Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The article, titled 'Mayor Adams Has Leverage to Force a Reluctant State DOT to Budge on the BQE,' details how city DOT can veto regional transportation plans and must approve state highway projects within city limits. Jon Orcutt, former city DOT official, urges Adams to push for a full corridor plan and not settle for piecemeal fixes. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso are named as officials demanding state DOT return to the process. The BQE has long divided North Brooklyn, bringing pollution and danger to dense neighborhoods. Advocates want the city to use its power to protect residents and vulnerable road users from the harms of urban highways.

• OPINION: Mayor Adams Has Leverage to Force a Reluctant State DOT to Budge on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-21

A sedan turning left on McGuinness Boulevard was struck by an SUV going straight. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield. Both vehicles sustained right-side damage in the collision.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female sedan driver was injured in a crash on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn. The sedan was making a left turn when it was struck on the right front quarter panel by a southbound SUV traveling straight. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and was in shock. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The SUV sustained front-end damage, while the sedan's right side doors were damaged. No other injuries or victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

DMV told New Yorkers to report defaced plates through official channels, not to the commissioner. Law enforcement, not the DMV, should ticket offenders. Critics say sending new plates lets reckless drivers dodge accountability. The city’s most vulnerable remain at risk.

On February 13, 2023, after a Streetsblog investigation, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles clarified its process for reporting defaced license plates. DMV Deputy Commissioner Lisa Koumjian stated, "The DMV has an established process for replacing plates and that is the process individuals should follow if their plate is in poor condition." If someone reports a plate that does not belong to them, the DMV can pursue replacement with the registrant if enough information is provided. Koumjian added, "If the plate is covered or intentionally defaced, law enforcement should be notified of this criminal activity as they have the jurisdiction to cite the registrant." Assembly Member Emily Gallagher was involved after constituents raised concerns. Critics, including Marius Facktor, blasted the DMV’s approach: "Car drivers are scratching and covering up their plates to avoid accountability when they hit and kill pedestrians. That's why this is so urgent." The DMV’s response drew fire for failing to hold dangerous drivers accountable and leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• ROWBACK: State DMV Clarifies How to Rat Out Help Out Your Plate-Defacing Neighbor, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13