Greenpoint Bleeds—Demand Safe Streets Now

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

Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

State DOT will not redesign the BQE. City studies a short stretch. Ten miles of highway cut through Brooklyn. Local leaders warn of neglect. Pollution and danger persist. No plan means more harm for people on foot, bike, or bus.

On February 9, 2023, Governor Hochul’s administration confirmed the state has 'no plans' to redesign its portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The matter, covered by Streetsblog NYC, states the state DOT will only provide technical help to the city’s study of the 1.5-mile city-owned segment between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized the state’s lack of engagement: 'The state hasn't engaged in any way shape or form.' Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said her community wants the BQE 'revisioned and totally changed,' citing environmental and health impacts. Assembly Member Robert Carroll warned that lack of coordination could worsen problems. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon echoed fears that her constituents would be left behind. The city, under Mayor Adams, has pledged a 'corridor-wide vision,' but admits nothing comprehensive can happen without state DOT. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but the state’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing harm.

• The State Has ‘No Plans’ to Redesign the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-09

State DMV boss Mark Schroeder told New Yorkers to send him photos of defaced plates. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher pressed him on enforcement. DMV says only owners can request replacements. The loophole leaves dangerous, unreadable plates on city streets.

On February 8, 2023, during a legislative hearing, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher questioned DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder about the surge of defaced and fake license plates in New York City. Schroeder encouraged the public to send him photos of unreadable plates, saying, "Send them to me. Tell them, 'Send them to Schroeder.'" Gallagher noted the widespread issue in her district and pressed for innovations to prevent plate tampering. Schroeder claimed the DMV would send new plates free to owners, but the agency's public process only allows car owners—not third parties—to request replacements. The DMV spokesman reiterated this policy, sidestepping the issue of public reporting. The loophole leaves enforcement weak and vulnerable road users at risk from untraceable drivers.

• State Car Boss: ‘Send Me Pictures of Defaced Plates!’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-08

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 2023-02-01

Senate bill S 3304 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Photo devices would catch violators. Sponsors say it’s time to protect cyclists. The bill stands at the sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 3304, sponsored by Brad Hoylman-Sigal with co-sponsors Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, and Julia Salazar, was introduced on January 30, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It seeks to 'establish in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The measure targets drivers who block bike lanes, aiming to keep space clear for cyclists. No safety analyst note is available. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or vote.

• File S 3304, Open States, Published 2023-01-30

A taxi made a right turn on Norman Avenue in Brooklyn. It struck a 30-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was left in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southwest on Norman Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 30-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the street with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The taxi driver was making a right turn at the time of the collision. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. The taxi showed no visible damage. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following traffic signals when the driver failed to yield, causing the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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 2023-01-24

Senate bill S 1952 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Hoylman-Sigal leads. Gianaris and Gonzalez back him. No safety analyst review yet. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1952, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 17, 2023, it 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsors, joined by Michael Gianaris and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The bill awaits further action and committee assignment.

• File S 1952, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

A cement truck driver turned right and struck a woman on a Citi Bike in Astoria. She died at the scene, less than a mile from home. This marks the fourth cyclist killed in the area in under three years. Streets remain deadly.

On January 5, 2023, a cement truck driver fatally struck 62-year-old Tamara Chuchi Kao as she rode a Citi Bike in Astoria, Queens. The driver turned right from 24th Avenue onto 29th Street, hitting Kao and killing her instantly. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani called the crash 'absolutely heartbreaking,' noting Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in Astoria in 2.5 years. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez blamed 'poorly designed streets,' saying, 'traffic violence is the outcome of poorly designed streets and is a solvable problem.' The area has almost no protected bike lanes. In 2022, Community Board 1 saw 1,979 crashes, injuring 120 cyclists and 163 pedestrians. Politicians and residents demand safer streets, better enforcement, and an end to car dominance. The deadly toll continues.

• BREAKING: Cement Truck Driver Fatally Strikes Woman on Citi Bike in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-05

Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

A motorscooter making a U-turn collided with a westbound sedan on Norman Avenue. The scooter driver, partially ejected, suffered severe leg injuries. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged. Police cited traffic control disregard as a factor.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling east on Norman Avenue attempted a U-turn and struck a westbound sedan. The motorscooter driver, a 24-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged on impact. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers of disregarding traffic controls in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592794 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan struck a van on Provost Street in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, a 68-year-old woman, suffered injuries and shock. The crash happened as the sedan passed too closely. The van showed no damage. The driver was restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Provost Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a van traveling in opposite directions. The sedan driver, a 68-year-old woman, was injured and experienced shock. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan's left front bumper struck the van's center back end, though the van sustained no damage. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The van driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 44-year-old man was struck by an SUV while crossing a marked crosswalk on Monitor Street. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. Visibility was limited.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk on Monitor Street. The vehicle involved was a 2022 SUV, occupied by a single licensed male driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for the driver, along with 'View Obstructed/Limited.' The vehicle was initially parked and showed no damage after the collision. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591169 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two SUVs crashed on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. Impact hit the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. A 26-year-old front-seat passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved disregarded traffic control.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the center front end of the other. A 26-year-old male front passenger was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error. Both drivers were licensed men traveling straight ahead before the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590258 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two SUVs crashed on Jewel Street. The female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck front quarters. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Jewel Street. The female driver of one SUV was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash. She was conscious and properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash involved impact to the left front quarter panel of her vehicle and the center front end of the other SUV. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591166 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Lawmakers and advocates rallied in Manhattan. They demanded more money for the MTA. They want six-minute bus and subway service. They warned against service cuts and fare hikes. They called for gas tax revenue to fund transit. Riders need safe, frequent service.

On November 17, 2022, state legislators and transit advocates pressed for increased MTA funding and six-minute off-peak service. The push comes ahead of the next budget cycle. Assembly Members Zohran Mamdani and Amanda Septimo, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher led the call. Mamdani said, 'If we implement six-minute service, the consequences would be felt for riders across all aspects of their life.' Septimo called transit an economic and racial justice issue. Gounardes urged the governor to include MTA funding in the initial budget. Gallagher criticized the gas tax holiday, urging funds go to transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber warned that cuts or fare hikes would devastate working- and middle-class New Yorkers. The group demanded action to protect and improve transit for all riders.

• Legislators and Advocates Press Case For MTA Rescue And Six-Minute Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-17