Kensington Bleeds: Four Dead, Hundreds Hurt, Leaders Stall

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

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

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Albany spared suburban businesses from a payroll tax hike meant to save the MTA. Black and Latino city workers now shoulder more of the cost. Lawmakers like Mamdani call it unfair. Suburban interests win. City’s vulnerable lose. Racial disparity grows.

On May 19, 2023, state lawmakers finalized a payroll tax policy as part of the MTA funding negotiations. The measure raised the payroll mobility tax only for New York City businesses with high payrolls, exempting suburban firms after pushback from their legislators. The Fiscal Policy Institute found this move shifted the tax burden onto Black and Latino workers in the city. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani condemned the policy, saying, 'this illustrates the consequences of fiscal policy that privileges the suburbs over the larger MTA region.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll was one of the few to oppose the exemption. FPI’s Emily Eisner noted, 'there will be a 25-percent decline in the share of white workers impacted by the tax, and a 36-percent increase in the share of Black workers impacted.' Governor Hochul defended the plan as necessary to save the MTA. The bill’s racial and geographic inequity remains stark.

• Albany’s Fealty to Suburbs Hurts Black, Latino Workers: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-19

The city’s Ninth Street redesign faces sharp criticism after a cyclist’s death. Family and advocates say the plan skips key safety fixes. Jersey barriers leave gaps. Pedestrian islands and bike signals are missing. The city delays. Danger remains.

On May 19, 2023, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest redesign proposal for Ninth Street in Gowanus drew fire at a Community Board 6 meeting. The plan, discussed in the Transportation and Public Safety Committees, adds buffer-protected bike lanes and some jersey barriers, but skips driveways and omits pedestrian islands, raised intersections, and bicycle signals. Maxime Le Munier, whose wife Sarah Schick was killed by a truck driver on Ninth Street, said, “What we want is to guarantee everyone’s safety, and it seems like it’s going to fall short.” Community Board 6 Transportation Chair Doug Gordon and Public Safety Chair Jerry Armer echoed calls for stronger, faster action. Council Member Hanif hosted a recent event on the issue. The committees unanimously approved the DOT proposal with conditions: more pedestrian safety, more traffic calming, and a comprehensive plan for all of Ninth Street. DOT has not set a timeline. Schick’s family is suing the city for $100 million, alleging negligence.

• Widowed Husband of Slain Cyclist Says Ninth Street Redesign ’Falls Short’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-19

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 2023-05-16

A sedan traveling south struck a parked sedan on Church Avenue in Brooklyn. The parked car’s driver, a 26-year-old man, suffered abrasions and an elbow injury. The moving vehicle’s right front bumper hit the left side doors of the parked car.

According to the police report, a 2015 sedan traveling straight south on Church Avenue collided with a 2017 sedan that was parked. The point of impact was the moving vehicle’s right front bumper against the parked car’s left side doors. The parked car’s driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and an elbow-lower-arm-hand injury. He was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors for the crash. The moving vehicle had no occupants, and the parked vehicle had one occupant, the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628761 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly Member Carroll rejects letting suburbs dodge the MTA payroll tax hike. He says all regions use transit, all must pay. Exempting suburbs would gut MTA funding. Carroll demands shared cost, warns against service cuts, and calls for real revenue.

Assembly Member Robert Carroll issued a legislative statement on April 28, 2023, urging equal cost-sharing for the MTA Payroll Mobility Tax (PMT) increase. The proposal, discussed in the Assembly, faces suburban resistance. Carroll’s statement, titled "When It Comes to Transit, Everyone Must Pay Their Fair Share," argues that exempting suburbs would cost the MTA $325 million and undermine regional transit. Carroll and NYC Assembly colleagues wrote to Speaker Heastie, demanding the PMT hike apply to both city and suburbs or, failing that, that new revenue go only to NYC Transit. Carroll said, "It is unwise and bad policy to abandon the principle of an integrated regional transportation system funded through cost sharing across the jurisdictions that benefit most from the MTA." He warns that letting only city businesses pay would be unfair and would threaten transit service. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the statement centers on funding the transit system that protects vulnerable road users.

• Assembly Member Carroll: When It Comes to Transit, Everyone Must Pay Their Fair Share, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

DOT will add a protected bike lane to a lethal stretch of Ninth Street. The move follows the death of cyclist Sarah Schick. Advocates and Council Member Hanif say the plan is not enough. They demand bolder action. The danger remains.

On April 28, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a proposal to add a protected bike lane to Ninth Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The plan, presented ahead of a Brooklyn Community Board 6 meeting, follows the January death of Citi Bike rider Sarah Schick. The DOT's concept removes parking between Second and Third avenues to create a five-foot, buffer-protected bike lane in each direction. Council Member Shahana Hanif called the protected lane 'imperative' but said, 'getting this bike lane done is the first step towards a more serious look at this corridor.' Transportation Alternatives organizer Kathy Park Price said, 'We did the bare minimum... we can and should do more.' Schick’s widowed husband, Maxime Le Munier, blamed DOT inaction for her death. Advocates and Hanif urge a full corridor redesign, including one-way conversion, but DOT claims this is not feasible now. The plan is only a start. The threat to cyclists and pedestrians persists.

• DOT Unveils ‘Concepts’ For Deadly Ninth Street, But Advocates Want Something Bolder, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

Albany’s payroll tax plan spares the suburbs, dumps the MTA’s burden on New York City. Lawmakers and analysts call it unfair. The city shoulders the cost. Suburban riders get a free pass. The MTA’s deficit grows. Transit’s future hangs in the balance.

The proposed payroll mobility tax hike, debated in Albany as of April 26, 2023, would apply only to New York City, leaving suburban counties exempt. The matter, described as a plan to 'save the MTA,' faces criticism for letting 'suburban fatcats' dodge responsibility. Assembly Member Robert Carroll (D-Brooklyn) slammed the exemption, asking, 'We have a regional network, why aren't we having the region pay for it?' Carroll called the carve-out 'unconscionable' and 'ridiculous,' pointing to billions spent on suburban transit. Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany warned the move 'sets a terrible precedent' and deepens inequity. MTA CEO Janno Lieber deferred to lawmakers but stressed the need to close the deficit. The bill’s status remains in flux as budget talks continue. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Payroll Tax Hike to Save MTA May Completely Exclude New York’s Transit-Rich Suburbs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-26

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams sidestepped backing Sammy’s Law, which would let New York City set its own speed limits. As cyclist deaths mount, other council members press for action. Adams cites other priorities. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Streets stay deadly.

On April 12, 2023, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams declined to support Sammy’s Law, a state bill allowing New York City to control its speed limits. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver in 2013, has stalled in Albany despite mounting pressure. Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez introduced a resolution urging passage, co-sponsored by Shahana Hanif and Lincoln Restler. Adams, however, said, 'We’re going to let the state do what the state does in response to Sammy’s Law,' and focused on other budget priorities. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called for pairing lower speed limits with street redesigns in neglected neighborhoods. As children and cyclists die in record numbers, the council’s inaction leaves vulnerable New Yorkers at risk. The law would not lower limits automatically, but grant the city authority to act.

• Speaker Adams Still Won’t Come Out in Support of Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-12

A 51-year-old man was struck on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was conscious but hurt. Multiple SUVs were parked nearby. The crash happened away from an intersection.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was located in the roadway but not at an intersection, performing unspecified actions. Multiple SUVs were parked along the street, and one SUV was traveling straight east at the time of impact. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The report does not assign fault or blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619480 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs crashed on McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn just after midnight. Both drivers ignored traffic controls. One driver suffered a serious arm injury and shock. Both vehicles struck front bumpers. Distraction and disregard for signals caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were male and licensed in New York. The crash occurred when both vehicles were traveling straight ahead but failed to obey traffic controls. One driver was injured, sustaining an elbow and lower arm injury and was in shock. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" for the injured driver. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage, with impact points on the right front bumper of one SUV and the left front bumper of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 31-year-old man was struck while crossing Ocean Parkway late at night. He suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The sedan involved showed no damage. Police listed unspecified contributing factors but no clear driver errors.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Ocean Parkway outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The involved vehicle was a 2013 sedan traveling east, with one licensed male driver going straight ahead. The vehicle showed no damage at the point of impact. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for both pedestrian and driver. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No safety equipment or helmet was mentioned. The crash highlights risks to pedestrians crossing mid-block on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senator Gounardes wants a 25-cent fee on every online package. The money would fund city infrastructure. Trucks crowd streets. Packages pile up. The bill aims to slow the flood. City Hall will review. Delivery giants face new rules. Streets stay dangerous.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill on March 23, 2023, proposing a 25-cent surcharge on every online delivery package in New York City. The bill, now under review, aims to raise $226 million yearly for city infrastructure. Gounardes said, "We're proposing an infrastructure fund to help pay for some of the capital costs to mitigate some of the consequences of last-mile trucking, and freight growth." The bill responds to a surge in daily package deliveries, now at 2.3 million, and forecasts of 200,000 trucks a day by 2045. Gounardes, the bill's sponsor, wants the city—not the MTA—to control the funds. City Hall has not taken a position but said it welcomes ideas to limit emissions and advance infrastructure. The bill joins other efforts to regulate last-mile delivery and warehouse placement. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• State Senator Seeks Online Delivery Charge to Fund City Infrastructure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-23

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

City Council pushed forward a battery buy-back and tough lithium-ion rules. Delivery workers’ safety and livelihoods hung in the balance. Lawmakers targeted sellers, not riders. The bills aimed to stop deadly fires without punishing those who rely on e-bikes to survive.

On March 2, 2023, the New York City Council advanced a package of lithium-ion battery safety bills. Council Member Keith Powers introduced the buy-back bill, which creates a citywide program for defective or uncertified batteries. Powers said, "We don't want to penalize businesses and workers without thinking about this strategically." The Council also moved bills from Oswald Feliz, Gale Brewer, Alexa Avilés, and Robert Holden. These measures ban uncertified batteries, require fireproof charging containers, mandate public education, and order FDNY reporting on battery fires. Speaker Adrienne Adams clarified the bills target commercial sellers, not workers. Shahana Hanif urged that policy must "keep workers" at the center. The Council and delivery workers’ union stressed that tech companies, not workers, should bear costs. The FDNY opposed the reporting bill over resource concerns. The legislation aims to curb battery fires while protecting delivery workers who depend on e-bikes.

• Streetsblog Gets Action: Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Lithium-Ion Bills Advance in Council, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-02