Williamsburg Bleeds While City Hall Turns Back

North Brooklyn residents and lawmakers demand DOT keep Bedford Slip car-free. The plaza, born of subway repairs, became a haven for pedestrians. Over 3,100 back it. Officials urge permanence. Opponents’ safety fears never came true. The fight for public space continues.

On August 10, 2024, North Brooklynites rallied to keep the temporary pedestrian plaza at Bedford Slip, a half-block offshoot of Bedford Avenue north of Nassau Avenue, car-free. The Department of Transportation (DOT) had closed the street to traffic during G train repairs, but plans to reopen it to vehicles. The matter, described as a push to 'continue this vital public space project as a permanent fixture,' drew support from Rep. Nydia Velázquez and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who sent letters urging DOT to make the plaza permanent. Local organizations, businesses, and over 3,100 petitioners back the effort, citing increased community use and safety. Previous concerns about traffic and safety did not materialize. The plaza is part of a broader movement to reclaim streets for pedestrians in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

• ‘Save the Slip’: North Brooklynites Urge DOT to Keep Temporary Plaza, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-10

A sedan traveling north struck a southbound bicyclist on Driggs Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the rider in shock and injured.

According to the police report, at 11:55 AM on Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn, a sedan traveling north collided with a bicyclist traveling south. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper striking the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was ejected and sustained severe injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist was not using any safety equipment. Vehicle damage was noted on the bike’s front end, while the sedan showed no damage. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in Brooklyn’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747437 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan collided with a bicyclist traveling south on Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:36 near 404 Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan, initially parked, struck a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the bike's right side doors. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The police report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2012 Mazda. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 26-year-old e-bike rider crashed into a parked sedan on Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn. Thrown from the bike, his leg torn open, blood marked the street. The car never moved. Driver inattention and distraction led to carnage.

A 26-year-old e-bike rider was severely injured after colliding with a parked sedan on Metropolitan Avenue near Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the e-bike rider was 'thrown from the bike' and suffered 'severe lacerations' to his leg, with blood left on the asphalt. The report states the sedan 'never moved' and was parked at the time of impact. The primary contributing factor cited is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the police narrative, but this detail follows the explicit mention of driver inattention as the central cause. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of distraction and inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745557 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A moped passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck the moped’s left rear quarter panel. The collision occurred on Roebling Street in Brooklyn, highlighting a failure to yield right-of-way by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:33 on Roebling Street in Brooklyn. A moped traveling west was struck on its left rear quarter panel by an SUV making a left turn in the same direction. The SUV driver failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the collision. The moped carried two occupants, including a 14-year-old male passenger seated in the middle rear seat, who sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The passenger was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The moped passenger was wearing a helmet, but the police report identifies no contributing factors from the victim’s behavior. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and right side doors were damaged, confirming the point of impact. The crash underscores the dangers posed by driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in multi-vehicle collisions involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743309 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

Low-density districts block City of Yes. Most community boards vote no. High-density areas back the plan. The fight centers on housing, parking, and who bears the city’s growth. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait as politics stall change.

Bill: City of Yes housing proposal. Status: Community board votes and public testimony as of July 22, 2024. Of 57 boards, 38 opposed the plan, 20 supported it, mostly in denser neighborhoods. The proposal, described as aiming to build 'a little more housing in every neighborhood,' faces resistance in low-density areas. Council Member Joann Ariola (R-Woodhaven) opposed more housing in her district, calling it 'suburbs.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized neighborhoods that refuse new housing, saying it increases pressure on poorer areas. Arlene Schlesinger, a Queens resident, voiced strong opposition, especially to lifting parking mandates and adding accessory dwelling units. Community boards, often older and whiter, resist change, leaving the city’s most vulnerable to bear the brunt of housing and transportation inequity.

• Map: How Did Community Boards Vote on ‘City of Yes’ Housing Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-22

A man drowned off Rockaway Beach. He is the fifth this summer. Council Member Justin Brannan and others call for more lifeguards, longer hours, and more pools. The city refuses. Drones and patrols replace real protection. Swimmers keep dying.

On July 22, 2024, after a fifth drowning at a New York City beach, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined other officials to demand urgent action. The group called for expanded lifeguard hours, more staff, and new public pools. The Adams administration rejected these measures, relying instead on NYPD drones and Parks Enforcement Patrols. The matter, described as 'Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours,' highlights the deadly gap in city safety policy. Brannan, along with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough Presidents Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, urged the city to extend the beach season, increase lifeguard shifts, and offer universal swimming lessons. The city has only 870 lifeguards, far short of the 1,500 needed. Vulnerable swimmers remain at risk while officials debate. The toll mounts.

• Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours: ‘Going to get worse’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-22

Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso calls on Mayor Adams to cap parking in new developments. He wants fewer spaces, not just fewer mandates. Reynoso pushes for maximums in transit-rich areas. He says car culture drives danger. He demands bold action.

On July 17, 2024, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a policy recommendation urging Mayor Adams to strengthen the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning proposal. Reynoso wants the city to set strict maximums on parking spaces in new developments, especially near transit. The matter summary states, 'Our recommendation is to remove as much parking as possible, but [if a] developer feels an obligation to put in a certain amount of parking, there should be a maximum allowable in transit-rich areas.' Reynoso supports eliminating parking mandates but says it is not enough. He points to developers building excess parking even near subways and calls for rules like Manhattan Core’s. Reynoso’s push aims to curb car dependency and promote safer, transit-oriented neighborhoods. He stresses the need to educate the public and break the grip of car culture.

• Brooklyn BP Wants Mayor Adams To Do More To Reduce Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-17

A six-year-old girl was struck by a bike while crossing outside a crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The bike showed no damage, and no driver errors were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, a six-year-old female pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn at South 4 Street around 8:10 p.m. The child was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a male cyclist traveling east struck her at the center front end of his bike. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The bike showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The report lists no contributing driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Contributing factors for the pedestrian were unspecified. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing outside designated areas, even without clear driver faults noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 51-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion on the Williamsburg Bridge. The crash occurred just after midnight. Driver inattention and defective pavement contributed to the impact, causing serious injury without vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female bicyclist riding eastbound on the Williamsburg Bridge was injured and ejected from her bike at 12:04 a.m. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a primary contributing factor. Additionally, 'Pavement Defective' was listed, indicating hazardous road conditions played a role. The bicyclist sustained a head injury classified as a contusion or bruise, with an injury severity level of 3. She was conscious after the crash. The bike showed no damage, and the bicyclist was the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle. The report highlights driver distraction and poor pavement conditions as the systemic dangers leading to this serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Pro-safety candidates swept North Brooklyn primaries. Voters backed the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. Opponents, funded by Broadway Stages, lost every race. Assemblymember Gallagher called for Mayor Adams to finish the job. The city’s delay keeps the boulevard deadly for walkers and riders.

On June 28, 2024, North Brooklyn’s primary elections became a referendum on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, a vocal supporter of the lane-reduction plan, defeated challenger Anathea Simpkins, who was backed by anti-redesign group Keep McGuinness Moving. Gallagher secured over 75 percent of the vote, declaring, “North Brooklyn demands Mayor Adams finish the job and make McGuinness safe.” Down-ballot, street safety advocates Luke Ohlson and Jenna Bimbi also won, both endorsed by Make McGuinness Safe. Opponents, including Broadway Stages executives, lost every race. Despite a partial redesign last year, the city has stalled on completing safety improvements. The election results send a clear mandate: voters want action to protect pedestrians and cyclists on McGuinness Boulevard.

• Safety for McGuinness Blvd. Was a Winning Issue for Greenpoint Pols, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-28

Emily Gallagher crushed her opponent. She stood with Greenpoint. She backed ripping out car lanes and building protected bike lanes on McGuinness Boulevard. The street is deadly. Locals cheered. The fight for safer streets just got muscle.

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, representing District 50, won her primary on June 28, 2024. The race centered on the future of McGuinness Boulevard, a street known for danger. Gallagher supported 'removing vehicle lanes and adding protected bike lanes to the historically dangerous McGuinness Boulevard.' Her challenger opposed these changes. Gallagher's victory signals strong support for street redesign. Greenpointers celebrated, seeing her win as a mandate for safety. The measure was not a formal council bill, but Gallagher’s stance and win put political weight behind protected bike lanes and fewer car lanes. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the community’s reaction shows the stakes for vulnerable road users.

• Early Addition: People really want to buy luxury apartments in Gowanus, toxic canal be damned, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-28

SUV hit a 23-year-old cyclist on Lorimer Street. The driver failed to yield and ignored traffic controls. The cyclist suffered full-body bruises. Streets turned violent. Metal met flesh. The system failed the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was struck by a Mercedes SUV on Lorimer Street in Brooklyn at 4:30 PM. The cyclist, traveling south, was hit on the left side by the SUV heading west. He suffered contusions to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as driver errors. The cyclist wore no safety equipment, but the report attributes the crash to the SUV driver's actions. The SUV's front end and the bike's left side were damaged. The crash left the cyclist injured, underscoring the danger faced by those outside steel shells.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Brooklyn bicyclist suffered serious leg injuries after a sedan experienced steering failure and struck her on Union Avenue. The cyclist was partially ejected and sustained contusions, highlighting mechanical failure as a critical factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Union Avenue in Brooklyn at 14:19. A 29-year-old female bicyclist was injured when a 2022 sedan, traveling north and stopped in traffic, suffered a steering failure. The sedan's right rear quarter panel struck the bicyclist's left front bumper area. The bicyclist, also traveling north and slowing or stopping, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Steering Failure' as the primary contributing factor, indicating a mechanical fault in the sedan. No driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless behavior were noted. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The incident underscores the dangers posed by vehicle mechanical failures to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Assembly Members Emily Gallagher and Robert Carroll denounce the governor’s move to halt congestion pricing. They call it a blow to transit, air quality, and city life. Their words cut through: New York’s streets belong to people, not cars.

On June 7, 2024, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher (District 50) joined Robert Carroll in a public statement opposing Governor Hochul’s indefinite delay of congestion pricing. The op-ed, titled 'Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It,' argues the governor’s action is 'effectively a cancellation.' Gallagher and Carroll stress that congestion pricing is essential for funding the MTA and improving public transit. They write, 'Congestion pricing does both and there is no fair or viable alternative way to fund the MTA’s capital needs at this juncture.' The statement warns that the delay will shelve critical projects and worsen conditions for all who rely on safe, accessible streets. Gallagher’s stance is clear: the city’s future depends on prioritizing transit and public space over traffic and private cars.

• Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-06-07

Two Assembly members slam the governor’s move to halt congestion pricing. They call it a blow to transit, air quality, and city life. They say New York needs fewer cars, more trains, and streets for people, not traffic. The fight continues.

Assembly Members Robert Carroll and Emily Gallagher issued a public statement on June 7, 2024, supporting congestion pricing and condemning Governor Hochul’s indefinite delay of the program. The statement, published as an op-ed, argues, 'the Governor’s announcement to indefinitely delay implementation is effectively a cancellation of congestion pricing.' Carroll and Gallagher, both long-time supporters, stress that congestion pricing is vital for funding the MTA’s capital needs and for reducing traffic and pollution. They warn that the governor’s move will stall key transit projects and harm New Yorkers who rely on public transportation. The members urge Democrats to embrace the policy, stating, 'It is past time for New York to join such cities as London, Milan, Stockholm, and Singapore and implement congestion pricing without further delay.' The statement does not mince words: the city’s future depends on streets for people, not cars.

• Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07