Brooklyn Heights: Two Dead on Cadman and the BQE. The Rest Is Bruises and Waiting.

• Brooklyn cop killed in hit-run recalled as ‘top of his class’ both at NYPD and in life, NY Daily News, Published 2025-09-03

Aug 22 - A driver in a westbound SUV hit a 53-year-old man working on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. He suffered elbow and lower-arm injuries and was conscious at the scene. Police list "Alcohol Involvement" as a contributing factor.

A driver in a westbound SUV struck a 53-year-old pedestrian who was working in the roadway on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The pedestrian suffered elbow and lower-arm injuries and was conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the contributing factor was "Alcohol Involvement." Police list driver contributing factors as Alcohol Involvement and Unspecified. The SUV's right-side doors were damaged and point of impact is recorded as right side doors, consistent with an impact to the pedestrian. The vehicle was a 2009 Ford SUV with one occupant. No other contributing factors are recorded in the data provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4837118 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.

A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4836901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 14 - Council pushes Albany to pass A.5440. Owner liability when cars flout posted rules. Cameras to curb illegal parking that endangers people. Less chaos. More space for those on foot and bike.

Res 1024-2025 is a Council resolution now in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025 and referred the same day. It “calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.5440, which imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York.” Sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. A.5440, sponsored by Assemblymember Steven Raga, would pilot camera enforcement (on city vehicles or along streets) for posted parking rules, with owner fines from $50 to $250 and a six-year term, plus a two-year public report. The aim: curb illegal parking that endangers people outside cars and clogs the street.

• File Res 1024-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Illegally parked cars endanger people on foot and bike. Res 1024-2025 urges Albany to pass A.5440. Cameras ticket owners who flout posted rules. Fines escalate. Goal: clear lanes and crosswalks. Make streets less hostile to people, not cars.

Res 1024-2025 sits in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced and referred August 14, 2025. The resolution urges passage of State bill A.5440, which, in the Council’s words, "imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York." Sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. A.5440, by Assemblymember Steven Raga, authorizes a six-year camera pilot to ticket owners for posted parking-rule violations caught by street or vehicle-mounted cameras. Fines start at $50 and rise to $250 for repeaters, with a $25 late penalty. DOT must publish a two-year report. The aim: fewer illegal blockers, safer space for people outside cars.

• File Res 1024-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Council pushes Albany to pass A.5440. Owner liability when cars flout posted rules. Cameras to curb illegal parking that endangers people. Less chaos. More space for those on foot and bike.

Res 1024-2025 is a Council resolution now in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025 and referred the same day. It “calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.5440, which imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York.” Sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. A.5440, sponsored by Assemblymember Steven Raga, would pilot camera enforcement (on city vehicles or along streets) for posted parking rules, with owner fines from $50 to $250 and a six-year term, plus a two-year public report. The aim: curb illegal parking that endangers people outside cars and clogs the street.

• File Res 1024-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Sets a 60-day clock for DOT to install traffic calming or control on streets by schools once a study says yes. Exempts major projects. Students walk there. Delay leaves them in the path of cars.

Int 1353-2025 was introduced on August 14, 2025. Referred that day to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Status: in committee. It orders DOT to install any traffic calming or control device next to a school within 60 days of a study. Major transportation projects are exempt. The bill says: “the department shall complete the installation… by no later than 60 days.” Sponsors: Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez, Farah N. Louis, and Lincoln Restler. Louis is the primary sponsor. The focus is school frontage, where children and caregivers move on foot.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to move fast near schools. When a traffic study finds a calming or control device is needed, installation must finish within 60 days. The bill was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure committee on Aug. 14, 2025.

Int. No. 1353 (status: Committee) was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Aug. 14, 2025 (agenda and first vote listed Aug. 14, 2025). The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would "complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." It takes effect immediately.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Illegally parked cars endanger people on foot and bike. Res 1024-2025 urges Albany to pass A.5440. Cameras ticket owners who flout posted rules. Fines escalate. Goal: clear lanes and crosswalks. Make streets less hostile to people, not cars.

Res 1024-2025 sits in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced and referred August 14, 2025. The resolution urges passage of State bill A.5440, which, in the Council’s words, "imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York." Sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. A.5440, by Assemblymember Steven Raga, authorizes a six-year camera pilot to ticket owners for posted parking-rule violations caught by street or vehicle-mounted cameras. Fines start at $50 and rise to $250 for repeaters, with a $25 late penalty. DOT must publish a two-year report. The aim: fewer illegal blockers, safer space for people outside cars.

• File Res 1024-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Hidden plates beat the cameras. Pedestrians lose. Cyclists lose. Int 1358-2025 would yank city parking permits from plate cheats. It also targets permit misuse and big unpaid fines. A strike at impunity that puts people on foot and bike at risk.

Int 1358-2025 is in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on August 14, 2025, with same‑day referral. Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Robert F. Holden. The bill quotes its aim as the “revocation of city‑issued parking permits” for “obscured or defaced license plates.” It would also revoke permits for three misuse violations, any §19‑166 violation, or unpaid violations over $350. Status: Committee. Agenda date: August 14, 2025. Obscured plates block identification and undermine camera enforcement that protects people walking and cycling. This bill goes at that shield and the culture of permit misuse that lets drivers dodge accountability.

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 11 - Summer Streets grows, but cars still rule. Pedestrians and cyclists get scraps. Asphalt wins. The city drags its feet. People lose. Safety rises where cars vanish, but the reach is small.

"The subway belongs to all New Yorker, and it should be accessible to all New Yorkers." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, David Meyer issued a statement on the expansion of Summer Streets, covered by Streetsblog NYC. He said, 'Summer Streets is bigger and better than ever—and New Yorkers are begging for more.' Meyer supports car-free events but criticizes their limited scale. No council bill or committee action is attached. A safety analyst notes: expanding Summer Streets increases car-free space, encourages walking and cycling, and improves safety by reducing vehicle conflicts and promoting mode shift. But the limited reach means citywide benefits remain out of grasp.

• Monday’s Headlines: All Hail Summer Streets Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-11

Aug 11 - Smith-9th Streets, city’s highest subway stop, will get elevators. The climb ends. State officials promise relief for riders. No more 90-foot ascent. Gowanus waits for access.

"With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Streets station in Gowanus, the city’s tallest subway stop. The MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029 funds the project. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said, “With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change.” Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the MTA for prioritizing accessibility. The upgrades follow a court settlement requiring 95% ADA-accessible stations by 2055. Safety analysts note: elevator installation boosts access for people with mobility challenges but does not directly impact street safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Tall order: Smith-9th Streets subway station, city’s highest, to get elevators, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-11

Aug 11 - MTA will install an elevator at Smith-9th Street, the city’s tallest subway station. Riders now face steep climbs. Soon, F and G lines open to all. Barriers fall. Access rises. Fewer forced to drive.

"Every day, New Yorkers hike the stairs up this station like they're climbing Mount Everest, struggling to catch the train on time... With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that's finally going to change. It's simple: The subway belongs to every New Yorker, and it should be accessible to every New Yorker." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, the MTA announced an elevator for Smith-9th Street station, Brooklyn’s highest subway stop. BKReader reported: 'The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station.' No council bill or committee is listed. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and NYCHA leaders backed the move. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called Smith-9th the clearest case for access. Installing an elevator helps pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and reducing street danger for all.

• Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift, BKReader, Published 2025-08-11

Aug 11 - Smith-9th Streets, city’s highest subway stop, will get elevators. The climb ends. State officials promise relief for riders. No more 90-foot ascent. Gowanus waits for access.

"Adding elevators to the station is a huge win for transit equity and for the thousands of riders who rely on this stop every day." -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 11, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Streets station in Gowanus, the city’s tallest subway stop. The MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029 funds the project. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said, “With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change.” Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the MTA for prioritizing accessibility. The upgrades follow a court settlement requiring 95% ADA-accessible stations by 2055. Safety analysts note: elevator installation boosts access for people with mobility challenges but does not directly impact street safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Tall order: Smith-9th Streets subway station, city’s highest, to get elevators, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-11

Aug 11 - MTA will install an elevator at Smith-9th Street, the city’s tallest subway station. Riders now face steep climbs. Soon, F and G lines open to all. Barriers fall. Access rises. Fewer forced to drive.

"Climbing the tallest station in the system shouldn't be an endurance test." -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 11, 2025, the MTA announced an elevator for Smith-9th Street station, Brooklyn’s highest subway stop. BKReader reported: 'The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station.' No council bill or committee is listed. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and NYCHA leaders backed the move. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called Smith-9th the clearest case for access. Installing an elevator helps pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and reducing street danger for all.

• Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift, BKReader, Published 2025-08-11

Aug 10 - Smith-9th Street stands 90 feet high. No elevators. State officials promise lifts. The climb ends. Access rises. Vulnerable riders—elderly, disabled, parents—gain ground. Transit grows safer. Streets may see fewer cars.

""With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 10, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Street station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The station, nearly 90 feet above ground, is the city’s tallest and lacks elevators. The matter: 'New York City's tallest subway station will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo backed the upgrade. Adding elevators boosts access for people with mobility challenges. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and easing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-10

Aug 10 - Smith-9th Street stands 90 feet high. No elevators. State officials promise lifts. The climb ends. Access rises. Vulnerable riders—elderly, disabled, parents—gain ground. Transit grows safer. Streets may see fewer cars.

""Adding elevators to the station is a huge win for transit equity and for the thousands of riders who rely on this stop every day."" -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 10, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Street station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The station, nearly 90 feet above ground, is the city’s tallest and lacks elevators. The matter: 'New York City's tallest subway station will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo backed the upgrade. Adding elevators boosts access for people with mobility challenges. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and easing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-10

Aug 8 - Two sedans collided on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A driver and a front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield as the contributing factor.

Two sedans collided at 211 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, two men — the driver (26) and the front passenger (31) — sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. Both were listed injured; one was conscious, the other in shock. Both vehicles were traveling east: one was going straight ahead; the other was starting in traffic. Police recorded "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. Damage focused on the right rear of both cars, with points of impact noted at the center back end and right rear quarter panel. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834480 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 4 - A sedan rear-ended a taxi on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. An 88-year-old woman in the taxi's right rear seat suffered a head contusion. Police recorded unsafe speed by the sedan driver. Three other occupants were involved.

The driver of a sedan struck the center back of a taxi on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. An 88-year-old woman riding in the taxi's right rear seat suffered a head contusion. “According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Unsafe Speed.'” Police recorded unsafe speed by the driver of the sedan. Both vehicles were traveling west and going straight before the impact. The sedan's center front and left front bumper hit the taxi's center back end. Three other occupants — both drivers and another passenger — were involved and not reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832880 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 4 - A hotel awning crashed down at Clark Street station. Years of leaks, rot, and stench warned locals. No one fixed it. The city let danger fester. Pedestrians faced the risk. No injuries, but trust is broken.

On August 4, 2025, a hotel awning collapsed outside the Clark Street subway station in Brooklyn Heights. The incident, reported by Barbara Russo-Lennon and Lloyd Mitchell, followed 'years of visible disrepair, foul smells and water leaks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler confirmed no timeline for reopening. The Department of Buildings cited the owners for 'Failure to maintain' and ordered demolition. DOB Commissioner James Oddo said engineers are inspecting a second awning showing 'poor maintenance.' The collapse put pedestrians in harm's way. As safety analysts note, such failures in busy areas raise the risk of injury or death for vulnerable road users and discourage walking, undermining city safety goals.

• ‘Not surprised’: Locals say neglect to blame in Clark Street station awning collapse, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-04