Six Dead in Crown Heights—And Politicians Still Look Away

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

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Albany scrambles. Hochul halts congestion pricing. Lawmakers, including Zellnor Myrie, reject quick fixes. The MTA’s future hangs on shaky ground. No new plan. No stable money. Riders and streets wait. Danger grows as funding stalls.

On June 7, 2024, state lawmakers debated MTA funding after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. The matter, titled 'Hochul, Albany lawmakers scramble to find new funding stream for MTA after pausing congestion pricing,' unfolded as the legislative session neared its end. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie voiced strong opposition, stating, 'I am opposed to the Governor’s last-minute plan to cancel congestion pricing. I will vote against any plan that will redirect funds from other priorities to cover the revenue lost from congestion pricing.' Hochul’s payroll tax proposal failed. An IOU from the general fund faces resistance. Critics argue only congestion pricing offers stable, legal funding. No alternative secures the MTA’s capital needs. Vulnerable riders face mounting risk as lawmakers stall.

• Hochul, Albany lawmakers scramble to find new funding stream for MTA after pausing congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-06-07

Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.

On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-06

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 2024-06-06

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 2024-06-06

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 2024-06-06

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 2024-06-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A 26-year-old man suffered a head injury after a sedan struck him while crossing against the signal on Schenectady Avenue. The driver, traveling south, showed inattention and distraction. The pedestrian was conscious but sustained a concussion.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Schenectady Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn around 11:07 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when a 2022 BMW sedan traveling south struck him with its center front end. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was conscious at the scene, suffering a concussion. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and going straight ahead. The report does not assign fault to the pedestrian but highlights the driver's failure to maintain attention as the critical cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan slammed into a multi-wheeled vehicle on Bedford Avenue. The driver was injured. Police cite aggressive driving and road rage. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Bedford Avenue rear-ended a northbound multi-wheeled vehicle at 21:16 in Brooklyn. The sedan's left rear bumper and the other vehicle's front end were damaged. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered whiplash and shock. Police cite aggressive driving and road rage as the main contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The report points to driver error as the cause. No blame is assigned to the injured driver or other parties.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727153 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 62-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after a moped hit her at an intersection. The rider, traveling north on Eastern Parkway, failed to control speed and showed inexperience. The pedestrian was crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Eastern Parkway struck a 62-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors on the part of the moped operator. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The moped's point of impact was the center front end, and notably, the vehicle sustained no damage. This crash highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers operating mopeds at unsafe speeds, even when pedestrians follow crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill targets repeat pedal-assist bike violators. Three strikes trigger a mandatory safety course. Ignore the course, lose your bike. DOT will track results. Three-year pilot. Enforcement, not education, leads.

Int 0874-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Ariola (primary), Hanks, Hudson, Louis, Mealy, and Banks, the bill orders DOT to launch a pilot abatement program for unsafe pedal-assist bicycle operators. The bill summary states: 'Pedal-assist bicycle operators who accrue 3 or more moving violations under city law would be required to take a safe pedal-assist bicycle operation course offered by DOT.' Noncompliance means bike impoundment. DOT must report on course completions, impounds, and program effectiveness. The pilot sunsets after three years. The bill aims to curb reckless riding through strict enforcement.

• File Int 0874-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A 36-year-old man suffered elbow and arm injuries after a sedan traveling east hit him as he emerged from in front of a parked vehicle on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn struck a 36-year-old male pedestrian who was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the sedan, which sustained damage to the same area. The pedestrian was injured in the elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian behaviors were identified as contributing factors. The collision occurred at 8:50 PM, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face when entering traffic from parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726325 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn hit a bicyclist traveling straight on Bedford Avenue. The cyclist suffered back injuries and contusions. The crash involved failure to yield right-of-way and driver distraction, leaving the rider injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a 2015 Ford sedan was making a left turn westbound on Bedford Avenue at 9:40 PM when it collided with a bicyclist traveling southbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 44-year-old male, was injured with back contusions but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites the sedan driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding and attention, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver rear-ended a sedan stopped in traffic on Kingston Avenue. Both male occupants in the SUV suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed dangers of inattention and tailgating on city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:17 on Kingston Avenue when a 2021 Mazda SUV, stopped in traffic, was struck from behind by a 2002 Nissan sedan traveling north. The contributing factors listed were "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely," indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance and was not fully attentive. Both the SUV driver and front passenger, males aged 40 and 37, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The point of impact was the SUV's left rear bumper and the sedan's right front bumper. The report highlights driver errors—distraction and tailgating—as the cause of the collision, with no contributing victim behavior noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723959 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04