Prospect Heights Bleeds While City Hall Waits

Jul 22 - E-scooter driver slammed into a vehicle on Washington Avenue. Fractured elbow, dislocation. Police cite improper lane use. Rider wore helmet. Both vehicles damaged. No ejection. Brooklyn street, harsh impact.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old man driving an e-scooter was injured on Washington Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation to his lower arm and hand. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error in lane handling. The e-scooter's left front bumper struck another vehicle's right front quarter panel. The rider was conscious and wore a helmet at the time of the crash. No ejection occurred. Both vehicles sustained damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649281 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 21 - New York stands firm on congestion pricing. New Jersey sues. Assemblymember Carroll calls the suit a stunt. Officials defend the plan’s review. The fight is sharp. Streets remain dangerous. Vulnerable road users wait for real change.

On July 21, 2023, Assemblymember Robert Carroll (District 44) responded to New Jersey’s lawsuit against New York’s congestion pricing plan. The matter, titled “New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues,” saw Carroll label the suit a 'stunt' and accuse Governor Murphy of ignoring environmental and quality-of-life concerns. State Senator Andrew Gounardes called the lawsuit a cynical move to control New York’s roads. MTA officials, including John McCarthy, defended the environmental review, citing extensive outreach and public hearings. The bill’s status is an official response to legal challenge, not a council vote or committee action. No direct safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided. The debate underscores the ongoing struggle to make streets safer for those outside cars.

• New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-07-21

Jul 21 - New York leaders stand firm on congestion pricing. They dismiss New Jersey’s lawsuit as political theater. Officials say the environmental review was thorough. The MTA promises mitigation for affected communities. The fight centers on who controls city streets and who pays the price.

On July 21, 2023, New York officials responded to a lawsuit from New Jersey over congestion pricing. The matter, titled 'New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues,' saw Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember Robert Carroll defend the plan. Gounardes called the suit 'a cynical attempt' by New Jersey to interfere. Carroll labeled it 'a stunt.' MTA spokesperson John McCarthy said the environmental assessment 'covered every conceivable potential traffic, air quality, social and economic effect.' The MTA also pledged mitigation for environmental justice communities. The bill’s status is active, with strong support from New York’s leadership and ongoing opposition from New Jersey.

• New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-21

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 10 - A Brooklyn family sues the city after a police van, driven recklessly by officers, killed Ronald Smith. The van sped, ran red lights, and struck Smith as he panhandled in the rain. The city faces charges of wrongful death and calls for accountability.

On July 10, 2023, the family of Ronald Smith filed a wrongful death lawsuit against New York City in Brooklyn Supreme Court. The suit alleges that Officers Orkhan Mamedov and Evan Siegel killed Smith by 'driving recklessly at nearly double the posted speed limit, at night, running red lights, in the wrong lane, with visibility limited by rain ... without justification or cause.' Smith was struck and killed while panhandling on Eastern Parkway. The officers, transporting prisoners, had no emergency but rushed to beat a shift change. Attorney David Rankin, representing the family, criticized the city's harsh treatment of victims' families, saying, 'The City of New York, in every instance where an employee kills somebody, puts the family and loved ones though a rigorous and unnecessarily brutal process.' Attorney General Letitia James cleared the officers of criminal charges but condemned their actions and called for NYPD procedural reform. The NYPD and city officials declined to comment further, while the family seeks both accountability and compensation.

• Family of Man Killed by Recklessly Driving Cop Sues City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-10

Jul 5 - A moped and SUV collided on Flatbush Avenue. The unlicensed moped driver was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Both vehicles were traveling south. The SUV was struck on the right side. Improper lane usage caused the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2018 Jeep SUV and a moped. The moped driver, a 26-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV was struck on its right side doors. Both vehicles were traveling south. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor for the crash. The moped driver was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and had two occupants. The crash resulted from improper lane usage by one or both drivers, leading to the moped driver's severe injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643150 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 1 - A 7-year-old girl was injured when a bike traveling south on Vanderbilt Avenue struck her. The impact caused abrasions and injury to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was inattentive and distracted at the time of collision.

According to the police report, a bike traveling south on Vanderbilt Avenue collided with a 7-year-old female pedestrian. The child suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The bike's point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The pedestrian's exact location in the roadway was unknown, and no safety equipment was mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643140 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 1 - A 19-year-old woman on a bike was ejected and injured in a rear-end crash on Flatbush Avenue. Two bikes collided. Police cite following too closely. The rider suffered arm abrasions. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, two bicycles traveling north on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn collided. A 19-year-old female bicyclist was ejected from her bike and suffered abrasions to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver error as following too closely. The impact occurred between the left rear quarter panel of one bike and the left front bumper of the other. The injured bicyclist remained conscious. No other vehicle occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643136 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 29 - A 42-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Bergen Street. He suffered a concussion and arm injuries after reacting to an uninvolved vehicle. The cyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on Bergen Street was injured when he reacted to an uninvolved vehicle. The bicyclist sustained a concussion and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as a contributing factor, indicating the cyclist's response to another vehicle triggered the incident. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from his bike. No damage was reported to the bicycle. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The report does not indicate any failure to yield or other driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 29 - Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to bring Sammy's Law to a vote. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits. Advocates fasted. Lawmakers argued. The Senate passed it. The Assembly did not. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

Sammy's Law, a bill to grant New York City 'home rule' over its speed limits, failed in the Assembly on June 29, 2023. The Senate passed it, but Speaker Carl Heastie did not bring it to a vote in the Assembly, despite 60 co-sponsors and strong support from city lawmakers, Governor Hochul, and Mayor Adams. The bill, named for 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a speeding driver, would have allowed the city to lower most speed limits from 25 to 20 mph. Heastie cited concerns over e-bikes and speed bumps, saying, 'I'm not a dictator.' Advocates, including Sammy's mother Amy Cohen, condemned the move as 'Albany backroom politics at its worst.' The Department of Transportation called the bill vital for targeted street safety. Vulnerable road users remain exposed as the Assembly stalls action.

• 'I'm not a dictator': Assembly speaker reveals why NYC speed limit bill failed, gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-29

Jun 21 - Assembly Member Robert Carroll wants Uber and Lyft passengers to pay congestion fees, not drivers. He argues riders are wealthier. The MTA’s plan faces pushback. Advocates warn exempting cabs could shift traffic, undermining safety and policy goals.

On June 21, 2023, Assembly Member Robert Carroll (District 44) weighed in on congestion pricing for taxis and for-hire vehicles (FHVs). The Traffic Mobility Review Board and MTA are debating whether to charge drivers or passengers. Carroll, joined by advocate Alex Matthiessen, proposed replacing the $2.75 FHV surcharge with a two-tiered fee on Uber/Lyft passengers, exempting drivers and yellow cabs. Carroll said, "We think that this will go to the passengers who are disproportionately wealthier than the average New Yorker and significantly wealthier than the driver." The MTA has not considered this per-trip customer fee, and it is unclear if it can be implemented. Taxi advocates support exempting drivers, but experts warn that exempting yellow cabs could shift congestion, undermining the policy’s intent. The debate continues in committee, with no final decision.

• Will Congestion Pricing Properly Toll Taxis and Ubers?, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-21

Jun 21 - Lawmakers debate who pays Manhattan’s congestion tolls—drivers or passengers. Some want to exempt yellow cabs and drivers, shifting costs to wealthier riders. Critics warn loopholes could push more cars onto crowded streets, risking more crashes for people on foot and bike.

This policy debate centers on congestion pricing in Manhattan, with proposals aired on June 21, 2023. The Traffic Mobility Review Board must decide if yellow cab and Uber/Lyft drivers will be tolled, or if only passengers will pay. Assembly Member Robert Carroll and advocate Alex Matthiessen back a higher passenger surcharge for Uber/Lyft rides, exempting drivers and yellow cabs. Carroll argues, 'passengers are disproportionately wealthier than the average New Yorker and significantly wealthier than the driver.' Taxi advocate Bhairavi Desai supports exempting drivers to protect jobs. Economist Charles Komanoff and analyst Bruce Schaller warn that exempting yellow cabs could shift congestion, undermining safety and policy goals. The matter’s outcome will shape who pays—and who faces the danger—on Manhattan’s streets.

• Will Congestion Pricing Properly Toll Taxis and Ubers?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-21

Jun 10 - A sedan traveling east on Saint Johns Place hit a parked sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The driver, a 31-year-old man, suffered a head injury and concussion. No ejection occurred. Both vehicles sustained damage at the point of impact.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male driver in a 2022 EDV sedan was traveling straight ahead eastbound on Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn when his vehicle struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked 2022 Honda sedan. The driver was injured, sustaining a head injury and concussion, and was conscious at the scene. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The parked vehicle had no occupants at the time of the crash. Damage was limited to the right front bumper of the moving sedan and the left rear quarter panel of the parked sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639275 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01

May 31 - 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 2023-05-31

May 31 - 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 2023-05-31