No One Walks Away: Four Dead on White Plains Road, City Still Sleeps

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to let lawmakers vote on Sammy’s Law. He dodged questions, blamed the city DOT, and ignored calls for lower speed limits. Neighbors and activists demanded action. Children remain at risk. The bill never reached the floor.

On June 23, 2023, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie blocked a vote on Sammy’s Law, a bill that would let New York City set its own speed limits. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver in 2013, had majority support but stalled in the Assembly. Heastie’s office declined interviews and blamed the city Department of Transportation, claiming some members wanted more collaboration. The official statement read, 'Every community is different, and some members have significant concerns with moving forward with Sammy's Law at this time.' DOT countered that the law would give the city tools to protect lives. Neighbors and activists criticized Heastie’s inaction, warning that lives remain at risk while the city is denied the power to lower deadly speed limits.

• Heastie Retreat: Assembly Speaker Blows Off Reporter Seeking Comment on ‘Sammy’s Law’ — Then Blames DOT, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-23

Albany keeps the keys. The Assembly refused to vote on Sammy’s Law. The city stays locked out of lowering its own speed limits. Advocates rage. Another year, another failure. Streets remain fast. Vulnerable New Yorkers stay exposed.

Sammy’s Law, blocked again. The bill—named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a van at age 12—would let New York City set its own speed limits, dropping the default to 20 mph and some streets to 10 mph. The Senate passed it 55-7, but the Assembly ended its June 22, 2023 session without a vote. Assembly sponsor Linda Rosenthal said, 'We just can't be deterred.' Senate sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the failure 'heartbreaking.' Speaker Carl Heastie refused to bring it to the floor. Advocates say the city’s hands are tied while deaths and injuries mount. The Council and Mayor Adams support the bill. For the third year, Albany blocks local control. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Sammy’s Law advocates angry after push to give NYC power over its speed limit fails in Assembly, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-22

Albany killed Sammy’s Law. Speaker Carl Heastie refused a vote. Advocates starved outside. The Senate passed it. The Assembly did nothing. Streets stay fast. Pedestrians and cyclists stay exposed. Politics won. Vulnerable New Yorkers lost.

Sammy’s Law, a bill to let New York City set its own speed limits, died in the Assembly on June 22, 2023. The Senate passed it 55–7. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, District 83, ended the session without a floor vote. The bill’s summary: 'allowing New York City to set its speed limits.' Amy Cohen, mother of a crash victim, led a hunger strike. She called the process 'Albany backroom politics at its worst.' Heastie told her, 'I am only one vote.' Despite broad support, Heastie’s inaction blocked the bill. No change. Streets remain deadly for those outside a car.

• Mother of crash victim on failure of NYC speed limit bill: 'Albany backroom politics at its worst', gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-22

The Assembly stalls. The Senate moved. New York City waits. Carl Heastie once backed lower speed limits. Now, his chamber blocks the bill. Streets stay deadly. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price. The call is clear: let the city slow cars. Save lives.

On June 20, 2023, an editorial called on the New York State Assembly to pass legislation allowing New York City to lower its speed limit—a measure known as Sammy’s Law. The bill, referenced in the editorial as 'allowing the five boroughs to reduce the speed limit,' has already passed the Senate but remains stalled in the Assembly. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (District 83, Bronx) is mentioned as an early sponsor of bills to lower the city’s speed limit to 25 mph and expand red light cameras. Despite his past support, the Assembly has not brought the bill to a vote. The editorial urges Heastie and the Assembly to match the Senate’s action. No formal safety analyst note is present, but the editorial centers the deadly impact of inaction on vulnerable road users, citing the story of Sammy Eckstein, killed by a driver. The message: delay costs lives.

• The state Assembly must match the Senate and let NYC lower its speed limit, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-20

A moped traveling south hit a 9-year-old boy outside the roadway on Bronx Boulevard. The child suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as causes. The moped’s front left bumper took damage.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Bronx Boulevard struck a 9-year-old pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The child sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The moped’s point of impact was the left front bumper, with damage to the center front end. The pedestrian was injured but not ejected. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by speeding and distracted moped drivers in the Bronx.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639228 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Sammy’s Law hit a wall in Albany. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. It passed the Senate but died in the Assembly. Advocates and families mourn another delay. Streets stay fast. Vulnerable lives remain at risk.

Sammy’s Law, a bill to let New York City set and lower its speed limits, stalled in the Assembly on June 19, 2023. The bill passed the state Senate but did not reach a vote in the Assembly, blocked by Speaker Carl Heastie and opposition from outerborough members. The City Council, including Councilwoman Jennifer Gutiérrez, supported the measure with a home rule message. The bill’s summary: 'allow New York City to set speed limits as low as 10 mph on some streets and 20 mph citywide.' Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal sponsored the bill in the Assembly. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams both backed it. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal called it 'common sense.' Advocates, including Amy Cohen, mother of the bill’s namesake, vow to keep fighting. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill’s failure leaves city streets unchanged and vulnerable road users exposed.

• Sammy’s Law bill to let NYC set speed limit falters, supporters hoping special Assembly session will finally push it through, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-19

The Assembly returned to Albany. Lawmakers eyed unfinished business. Sammy’s Law, which would let New York City lower speed limits to 20 mph, met pushback. Outer boroughs resisted. Families called for action. Speaker Heastie held the gavel. Streets stayed dangerous.

On June 19, 2023, the New York State Assembly reconvened in Albany to address unfinished legislative business. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (District 83) led the session. The agenda included several items, among them 'Sammy’s Law,' a proposal to allow New York City to set 20 mph speed limits on some streets. The matter summary notes: 'A backlash to traffic safety initiatives—particularly in the outer boroughs—is also driving resistance against the proposed 'Sammy’s Law' to allow for a 20 m.p.h. speed limit on some New York City streets.' Amy Cohen, whose son was killed in a crash, urged lawmakers to act, asking, 'How many more families are going to have to suffer before the Assembly takes this preventable crisis seriously?' Despite claims of enough votes, resistance remained strong. Heastie did not bring the bill to a floor vote. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided.

• NY Assembly returning to Albany to deal with unfinished business including Seneca Nation gaming issue, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-19

Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City set its own speed limits, sits idle. Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring it to a vote. The Senate passed it. The governor, mayor, and council back it. Families mourn. Lawmakers dodge responsibility. Streets stay deadly.

Sammy’s Law, Assembly Bill to grant New York City control over its speed limits, remains stalled. On June 16, 2023, Speaker Carl Heastie kept it off the legislative agenda, despite Senate passage and support from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. The bill’s matter summary: 'the years-long effort to earn New York City the power to set its own speed limits.' Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal sponsors the bill, but Heastie’s inaction blocks a vote. Activists, including Families for Safe Streets, protested with a die-in at Heastie’s office. Gary Eckstein, father of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, spoke of the pain caused by legislative failure. The legislature’s refusal to act leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as lawmakers avoid accountability and delay a measure with broad support.

• Cycle of Rage Update: Speaker Heastie Has Not Put Speed Limit Bill on Next Week’s Agenda, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-16

Assembly Speaker Heastie blocked a vote on Sammy's Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. The Senate passed it. Families for Safe Streets staged a hunger strike. The Assembly will return. Lives hang in the balance.

On June 10, 2023, the New York State Assembly failed to vote on Sammy's Law, a bill that would allow New York City to set its own speed limits. The bill, supported by Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the City Council, had already passed the Senate 55-7. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to bring it to a vote, despite majority support in the Assembly. Amy Cohen, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets, condemned Heastie, saying, 'There’s only one roadblock: Speaker Carl Heastie refusing to call a vote on a popular, life-saving bill.' Activists warned that more preventable deaths will follow if the Assembly does not act. The Assembly is expected to reconvene later in the month to address unfinished business, possibly including Sammy's Law.

• BREAKING: Assembly Fails to Pass Bill to Allow NYC to Set Speed Limits, But Will Return Later This Month, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-10

A 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a sedan in the Bronx. The e-bike and sedan struck front bumpers. The bicyclist suffered bruises and lower leg injuries. The crash involved unsafe speed and traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 213 Street in the Bronx involving an e-bike and a sedan traveling in opposite directions. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old man, was injured with contusions and lower leg trauma. The report lists driver errors including unsafe speed and traffic control disregard. The bicyclist also contributed to the crash through pedestrian/bicyclist error or confusion. The e-bike and sedan collided at their left front bumpers. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The crash highlights multiple failures in traffic control adherence and speed management.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642138 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s state car triggered speed cameras 12 times in Bronx school zones. He blames staff. Meanwhile, he blocks a vote on Sammy’s Law, which would let New York City lower speed limits. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Pedestrians pay.

Assembly Bill 'Sammy’s Law' remains stalled in the New York State Assembly. Speaker Carl Heastie (District 83) has not called a floor vote as of June 9, 2023, despite the bill passing the State Senate. The bill, championed by advocates, would let New York City set 20-mile-per-hour speed limits on some streets. The matter summary states, 'Heastie has not called a floor vote on Sammy’s Law, which would allow New York City to set a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit on some streets.' Heastie’s state vehicle was caught speeding 12 times in school zones. He claims staffers were driving. Transportation Chair Bill Magnarelli suggested the bill’s fate might have changed if the City Council had acted sooner, a claim the Council disputes. Heastie’s spokesman said, 'He reminded them that the reason we passed the speed-camera legislation was to ensure the safety of students and the public, and that these violations are unacceptable.' No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• Wasn’t me! Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s car triggers speed camera 12 times – blames staffers, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-09

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

On day three, two mothers who lost children to reckless drivers faced threats of removal from Albany. Invited by Assembly Member Carroll, they were barred as 'lobbyists.' Sammy's Law, which would let New York City set speed limits, remains stalled. Grief meets bureaucracy.

On June 8, 2023, advocates staged a hunger strike in Albany to protest the Assembly's inaction on Sammy's Law. The bill would allow New York City to control its own speed limits. Despite support from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, the City Council, and the state Senate, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought the bill to a vote. The matter summary states: 'On day three of a hunger strike... two mothers, Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, who lost children to reckless drivers, were labeled as lobbyists and threatened with removal from the Capitol.' Assembly Member Bobby Carroll invited the mothers, but they were told to stay outside. Cohen said, 'It’s outrageous that we couldn't be recognized.' Mendieta-Cuapio called the hunger strike necessary. The protest highlights the personal cost of advocacy and the political barriers blocking action on street safety.

• Day 3: These Hunger Strikers aren’t Paid Lobbyists — But Albany Can’t Tell the Difference, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-08

Sammy’s Law would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph on deadly streets. Council Member Gutierrez led the charge. Brooks-Powers joined. Streets scarred by crashes and deaths. Lower speeds mean fewer bodies broken. The city waits. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, debated by the NYC Council and State Legislature, seeks home rule for New York City to lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on dangerous streets. Council Member Jen Gutierrez carried the resolution; Selvena Brooks-Powers later signed on. The bill targets corridors like Bushwick Avenue, Laurelton Parkway, and East Gun Hill Road—sites of hundreds of crashes and dozens killed or maimed since 2019. The matter summary states: 'Because people are dying and being maimed on New York's most-dangerous 25-mile-per-hour streets.' Supporters, including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, cite the science: lower speeds mean less force, fewer deaths. Research shows 20 mph zones cut crashes by 60 percent. The bill does not mandate, but allows, lower limits where carnage is highest. The council’s action centers the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, demanding the city act before more are lost.

• MAP QUEST: See Exactly Why Sammy’s Law Would Be So Crucial for the Boroughs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-08

Mothers starve for Sammy’s Law. Hochul offers sympathy, not action. Heastie keeps the bill off the floor. The law would let New York City lower speed limits. Assembly support grows. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, stalled in the New York State Assembly, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. On June 7, 2023, Governor Hochul expressed sympathy for hunger-striking mothers but refused to pressure Speaker Carl Heastie, who blocks the bill from a vote. The bill passed the Senate and has City Council and mayoral support. The matter summary: 'Hochul has previously expressed support for Sammy's Law, which would allow New York City to set its speed limits below 25 miles per hour.' Amy Cohen, a mother and advocate, demanded action, showing Heastie photos of victims. Seven new Assembly members, including Yudelka Tapia, Al Taylor, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Brian Cunningham, now back the bill, giving it majority support among NYC Assembly members. Still, the Speaker’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to speeding drivers and systemic danger.

• Hunger Strike Day 2: Gov. Hochul is ‘Sympathetic,’ But Won’t Pressure Heastie on Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-07

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

Two mothers starve for justice. Their children killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers let New York City set its own speed limits. The Assembly stalls. Grief and anger fill the halls. No more excuses. They want action. Now.

On June 6, 2023, two mothers began a hunger strike at the State Capitol, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, first introduced in 2020 by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The City Council backed the measure with a 'home rule' message last month. But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought it to a vote. The matter title: 'Sammy’s Law.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was killed in 2006, lead the protest. Mendieta-Cuapio says, 'We need to pass Sammy's Law today, no more excuses.' Lawmakers hide behind closed doors. The mothers refuse to let their children’s deaths be ignored.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-06

Two mothers starve for justice at the State Capitol. Their children were killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set lower speed limits. Assembly leaders stall. Grief meets gridlock.

On June 6, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and advocates launched a hunger strike at the State Capitol for Sammy’s Law. The bill, introduced by Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The official summary states it 'would authorize NYC to set speed limits below 25 mph but would not automatically change them.' Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mothers whose children were killed by drivers, lead the protest. Despite majority City Council support and a home rule message, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring the bill to a vote. Advocates accuse lawmakers of hiding and demand transparency. The hunger strike exposes the human cost of legislative inaction.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-06

Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Advocates starved in Albany. The Assembly stalled Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits. Children die. Pedestrians bleed. Lawmakers delay. Support is broad. The Assembly blocks action. Hunger sharpens the call for safety and control.

On June 5, 2023, advocates began a hunger strike in Albany, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set its own speed limits, dropping them from 25 to 20 mph. The measure passed the Senate and has broad support, including from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and a City Council supermajority. But the Assembly, led by Speaker Carl Heastie, has not brought it to a vote. Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets said, 'It shouldn’t be a deadly act to walk our streets.' Andrea Stewart-Cousins is mentioned in the advocacy. The bill’s summary states it would allow NYC to lower speed limits. Advocates demand transparency and urgency, citing lives lost and strong public support. The Assembly’s inaction blocks a proven, life-saving measure for vulnerable road users.

• Advocates set to go on hunger strike in Albany as State Assembly dithers on Sammy’s Law allowing NYC to lower speed limits, amny.com, Published 2023-06-05