No One Dead—Yet: Gravesend’s Streets Are Waiting for Blood

Jun 7 - 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

Jun 7 - 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

Jun 7 - 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

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 3 - 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

Jun 2 - A northbound BMW sedan making a right turn on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn was demolished in a violent crash. The female driver and a rear-seat passenger suffered whiplash and upper arm injuries, both shocked but restrained by lap belts.

According to the police report, a 2018 BMW sedan traveling north on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn was making a right turn when it sustained a center front end impact, resulting in the vehicle being demolished. The driver, a 17-year-old female licensed in New York, and a 20-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat were both injured. Both occupants experienced whiplash, with the passenger also suffering shoulder and upper arm injuries. Both were restrained by lap belts and were not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors or victim behaviors as causes. The crash occurred near Avenue Z at 1:58 a.m., highlighting a severe impact scenario involving a single vehicle and multiple injuries among occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729201 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 30 - SUV driver lost focus. Her bumper smashed the sedan’s side. A 69-year-old passenger took the blow. Shoulder bruised. Metal twisted. Distraction left pain and scars on West 2 Street.

According to the police report, a licensed female SUV driver struck a sedan’s right side doors on West 2 Street at 13:15. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan, injuring the front passenger, a 69-year-old man. He suffered a contusion to his shoulder and upper arm. The police report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction as the contributing factor. The SUV’s front end and the sedan’s right side were damaged. The injured passenger was conscious and restrained. No contributing factors are listed for the victim. Driver distraction led to this side-impact crash and left a passenger hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730035 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 23 - Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

May 18 - Two sedans collided on Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn. Multiple passengers suffered chest and back injuries, enduring shock and whiplash. Police cited unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way as key factors in the crash’s violent impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:29 on Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, involving two sedans traveling east and north. The driver of the eastbound sedan, a 2017 Lexus, struck the left rear bumper of the northbound 2005 Mercedes. The report lists unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. Passengers in the vehicles suffered chest and back injuries, with complaints of whiplash and pain, and were reported in shock. The injured included a 51-year-old female passenger and a 69-year-old female passenger, both wearing lap belts, who experienced chest injuries and shock. Another female passenger, age 30, also suffered back injury and shock. The report highlights driver errors such as unsafe speed and disregarding traffic control, emphasizing the systemic dangers posed by these violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - 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

May 14 - A convertible traveling west struck parked SUVs on Avenue Y in Brooklyn. The front passenger, a 32-year-old woman, suffered facial contusions. Police cite alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the collision’s impact and injuries.

According to the police report, at 4:10 AM on Avenue Y in Brooklyn, a 2023 convertible traveling west collided with two parked SUVs. The point of impact was the convertible's center front end and the left front quarter panel of one SUV. The front passenger, a 32-year-old female occupant, was injured with facial contusions and remained conscious. The report explicitly lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted. The collision caused center front end damage to the convertible and damage to the parked vehicles. This crash highlights driver errors involving alcohol and speed leading to injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725878 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 11 - Two sedans traveling east collided on East 4 Street in Brooklyn. The driver of one vehicle suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage in the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on East 4 Street near Avenue X in Brooklyn at 11:14 a.m. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead eastbound when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of one sedan and the center back end of the other. The driver of one vehicle, a 50-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the sole contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice, indicating a clear failure in driver focus. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The injured driver was not ejected and reported complaints of pain or nausea. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behavior was cited as contributing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724064 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 2 - Senate bill S 9162 aims to kill congestion pricing, shake up the MTA board, and order a forensic audit. Streets stay clogged. Riders and walkers face more danger. Sponsor: Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

Senate bill S 9162 was introduced on May 2, 2024, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill's title: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (District 23) is the primary sponsor. The bill would repeal congestion pricing, expand the MTA board, and require a forensic audit. No safety analysis was provided, but repealing congestion pricing keeps traffic thick and streets hostile for New York’s most vulnerable.

• File S 9162, Open States, Published 2024-05-02

Apr 24 - Assembly bill A 9877 seeks to kill congestion pricing. Sponsors want more MTA board seats and a forensic audit. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike. The car threat grows unchecked.

Assembly bill A 9877 was introduced on April 24, 2024. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to repeal congestion pricing, add a new MTA board seat for each city borough, and force a forensic audit of the MTA. The matter title reads: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Assembly Members Michael Tannousis (primary), Mike Reilly, Samuel Pirozzolo, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, and Alec Brook-Krasny sponsor the bill. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The bill ignores the deadly risk cars pose to New Yorkers outside vehicles.

• File A 9877, Open States, Published 2024-04-24

Apr 24 - Two young males riding a moped were ejected and injured after a collision with a sedan on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The moped driver was unlicensed. Both suffered contusions and leg injuries. The sedan struck the moped’s front left quarter panel.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn involving a 2016 Nissan sedan and a 2022 moped. The moped, traveling north with two occupants aged 15 and 17, was driven by an unlicensed male. Both moped riders were riding or hanging on outside the vehicle and were ejected during the crash. They sustained knee, lower leg, and foot contusions, with injury severity rated as moderate (3). The sedan, driven by a licensed female traveling west, struck the moped on its left front bumper and quarter panel. The contributing factor listed is 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' indicating driver error. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights dangers posed by unlicensed moped operation and driver failure to obey traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council bill orders DOT to factor traffic enforcement agents into city safety plans. The move targets deadly streets. Sponsors demand action, not words. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for safer crossings.

Int 0842-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 18, 2024, the bill amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to consider where traffic enforcement agents are placed when drafting the interagency roadway safety plan. The bill summary states: 'require DOT to specifically consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in certain areas.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Members Brannan (primary), Louis, Restler, and the Queens Borough President sponsor the measure. The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a five-year safety plan. Now, the council demands DOT put enforcement on the map, aiming to cut injuries and deaths.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20