Eastchester Bleeds—Leaders Sleep

Albany leaders tried to delay an upstate special election, risking democracy to bargain over congestion pricing. Governor Hochul put the bill on hold. The editorial backs congestion pricing but slams the move to silence 800,000 New Yorkers. Power games, real stakes.

On February 12, 2025, an editorial targeted a special election bill pushed by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The bill, introduced late Friday, would let Governor Hochul delay a congressional special election until November 4, leaving nearly 800,000 upstate residents without representation. The editorial quotes, 'wiping out congressional representation for so many people for so long is unfair and undemocratic and unconstitutional.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key player. Hochul requested the bill be put on hold, pausing the plan. The editorial supports congestion pricing, noting it has 'successfully reduced Midtown and Downtown traffic,' but condemns using democracy as a bargaining chip. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users is assessed, but the piece underscores the importance of congestion pricing for safer, less crowded streets.

• Don’t swap democracy to save tolls: Kill the special election scam regardless of congestion pricing, nydailynews.com, Published 2025-02-12

A 65-year-old man suffered a neck fracture and dislocation after being struck on E 233 St in the Bronx. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured, with the crash occurring as he was in the roadway. Driver errors were not specified.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured on E 233 St near Hill Ave in the Bronx at 6:45. The pedestrian sustained a severe neck injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation, and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists the pedestrian's action as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but does not specify any contributing factors related to the driver or vehicle. The vehicle involved was traveling eastbound, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. No helmet or crossing signal use was reported as contributing factors. The report focuses on the pedestrian's injuries and location in the roadway without assigning fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791394 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two passengers suffered bruises and limb injuries in a Bronx sedan crash. The collision involved improper lane usage and following too closely, causing front bumper impacts. Both victims remained conscious and were not ejected from the vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on E 233 St in the Bronx involving two sedans traveling westbound. The drivers committed errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Following Too Closely," which led to a collision impacting the right front bumper of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Two female passengers, aged 24 and 19, were injured with contusions and bruises to their knees, lower legs, feet, shoulders, and upper arms. Both were conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The report explicitly cites driver errors as contributing factors, with no mention of victim fault or contributing behaviors. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes and tailgating on Bronx streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

MTA boss Janno Lieber told lawmakers the state must fund transit repairs like Medicaid—steady, not crisis-driven. The MTA’s $68-billion plan faces a $33-billion gap. State leaders stalled, leaving riders and infrastructure in limbo. Advocates demand reliable, timely funding.

On February 7, 2025, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber addressed state legislators, pressing for stable, recurring state funding for the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan. The $68-billion plan, approved by the MTA Board, has only $35 billion secured. State leaders, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, rejected the plan’s funding gap, insisting it be resolved in the state budget. Lieber argued, 'the MTA capital budget is totally predictable... no different than Medicaid and education.' He called for the state to treat transit infrastructure as a core, recurring expense. Advocates like Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany echoed this, demanding the state guarantee timely payments and accountability. Governor Hochul and legislative leaders voiced support but offered no concrete solutions. The debate leaves the city’s transit riders waiting for action and exposes them to the risks of delayed repairs and unreliable service.

• Paradigm Shift: MTA Boss Says State Should Pony Up More For Capital Plans, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-07

In the Bronx, an SUV backing unsafely struck a parked SUV. The collision caused no vehicle damage but injured the driver of the parked vehicle. The driver suffered internal back injuries and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:39 in the Bronx near E 233 St. A 2007 Chevrolet SUV traveling west was backing unsafely when it collided with a parked 2017 Chevrolet SUV facing west. The point of impact was the center back end of both vehicles. The parked vehicle sustained no damage, but its driver, a 53-year-old woman, was injured with internal back complaints and remained conscious. The report cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error by the backing vehicle. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors related to the injured driver. The crash underscores the dangers posed by unsafe backing maneuvers in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791082 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi making a left turn struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. Driver failure to yield and inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on Eastchester Road in the Bronx was making a left turn when it struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand and remained conscious after the collision. The report cites the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the taxi's left front bumper, which also sustained damage. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted, but the crash was caused by the driver's errors, not the victim's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 41-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn. The impact caused pain and shock. The driver’s failure to yield and unsafe speed led to the collision at a Bronx intersection.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Burke Ave and Eastchester Rd in the Bronx at 18:24. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Honda sedan, making a right turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The report identifies the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The collision highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and unsafe speed, as the cause of harm to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Gov. Hochul dodged the $35 billion hole in the MTA’s capital plan. She told the MTA to revise and resubmit. Riders wait. Lawmakers point fingers. The city and state offer less than promised. The gap grows. Transit hangs in limbo.

On January 22, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state’s budget approach, sidestepping the $33–$35 billion shortfall in the MTA capital plan. The plan, previously vetoed by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, now faces deeper uncertainty. Hochul’s budget proposes $3 billion each from the state and city, less than the $4 billion the MTA expected. Hochul stated, "The MTA is developing an updated capital plan to propose to me and the legislature, and once we receive it, we will determine the best way to fund it." Advocates, including Reinvent Albany, called this an abdication of responsibility, warning it puts millions of transit riders at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users, but the funding gap threatens the system they rely on.

• Budget or Budge It? Gov. Hochul Continues Dawdling on the MTA Capital Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-22

A sedan traveling north rear-ended a pickup truck heading southeast on Eastchester Rd in the Bronx. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, at 18:10 on Eastchester Rd near Knapp St in the Bronx, a sedan traveling north collided with the rear of a pickup truck traveling southeast. The point of impact was the center front end on both vehicles, indicating a rear-end collision. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old male occupant, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. There are no victim behaviors cited as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained center front end damage, confirming the nature of the collision. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and held a valid New York license. This crash highlights driver error in maintaining safe following distance, leading to serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790394 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock in a multi-vehicle crash on E 233 St in the Bronx. The collision involved parked vehicles and caused minor bleeding. According to the police report, the driver lost consciousness during the incident.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:45 on E 233 St near Harper Ave in the Bronx. The collision involved multiple vehicles, including a 2018 Ford sedan traveling south and two parked vehicles, a 2019 Jeep sedan and a 2008 Ford pick-up truck. The sedan driver, an 81-year-old male occupant, sustained back injuries and was in shock with minor bleeding. The report cites 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor, indicating a medical event may have impaired the driver's control. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The police report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city bus swerved to dodge a double-parked car. It crashed through a wall and dangled over a Bronx overpass. No one was hurt. Debris rained down. The city’s parking chaos left concrete cracked and nerves frayed.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus partially drove off the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass near Kappock Street after the driver swerved to avoid a double-parked car. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stated, "We’re told by the MTA that the bus was trying to get around an illegally double-parked car, and he hit the wall and went through it." The crash damaged the overpass wall and scattered debris onto the street below. No injuries were reported, though conflicting accounts left passenger presence unclear. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz highlighted the broader issue: "We’re seeing all over the city parking regulations not being enforced." The incident underscores the risks posed by illegal parking and the need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure checks.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

A tractor truck changed lanes unsafely and struck a sedan traveling south on New England Thruway. The sedan's driver and two passengers suffered moderate injuries. Police cited following too closely and unsafe lane changing as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:43 on New England Thruway when a tractor truck diesel was changing lanes unsafely and collided with a sedan traveling straight ahead in the same direction. The sedan sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The sedan carried three male occupants: a 36-year-old driver, a 26-year-old front passenger, and a 40-year-old rear passenger. All three were injured with moderate severity (level 3), suffering injuries to the neck, knee-lower leg-foot, and back, respectively. None were ejected and all wore lap belts and harnesses. The report emphasizes driver errors by the truck in lane changing and both vehicles in following too closely. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786785 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 42-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan making a left turn on Boston Road. The bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver distraction and cell phone use contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:20 on Boston Road involving a sedan and a bicycle. The sedan was making a left turn westbound when it struck the bicyclist traveling southbound. The bicyclist, a 42-year-old unlicensed male driver, was ejected and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver errors including cell phone use (hands-free) and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist’s unlicensed status is noted, but no victim fault is indicated. Vehicle damage was minimal, with no damage reported to either vehicle. The collision highlights systemic dangers posed by distracted driving and left-turn maneuvers in mixed traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786796 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany leaders talk. Riders wait. The $33-billion hole in the MTA capital plan grows. No new funding. No real answers. Delays mount. The system crumbles while politicians promise support but deliver nothing concrete. Vulnerable New Yorkers are left exposed.

On January 15, 2025, Governor Hochul addressed the $33-billion shortfall in the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan. The matter, described as a need for a 'concrete blueprint that will deliver actual results,' remains unresolved. Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins all voiced support but offered no funding solutions. Hochul rejected raising personal taxes and delayed the cap-and-invest program. Heastie pinned hopes on federal aid, while Stewart-Cousins admitted, 'we didn't have an answer.' The MTA is already delaying purchases. No council member or legislator advanced a plan. The gap leaves transit riders—especially those on foot, bike, or bus—at risk as the system’s decline continues.

• ‘Trust Us’: Albany Pols Offer Only Promises To Fill Massive Hole In MTA Capital Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-15

Albany leaders stall on MTA funding. They block capital plans. They threaten congestion pricing. Subways face cuts. Riders pay the price. Service, safety, and reliability hang in the balance. Political games choke the city’s lifeline. Vulnerable New Yorkers lose again.

This report covers the ongoing 2025 state legislative budget negotiations over the MTA’s 2025-29 capital plan and congestion pricing. The article, published January 13, 2025, highlights how Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Governor Hochul have failed to deliver needed funding. The matter summary states: 'Starving the MTA will not actually improve service and will not actually improve safety, will not actually improve reliability.' Lawmakers consider exemptions or repeals to congestion pricing, undermining the MTA’s financial foundation. Andrew Rein, a key voice, warns that withholding funds is 'a recipe for disaster and an abdication of responsibility.' The legislature’s inaction threatens subway modernization, safety, and reliability. Without proper investment, vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—face greater risk and hardship.

• Albany’s Power Brokers Are Trying To Break Your Subway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-13

Andrea Stewart-Cousins appears in a sharp editorial blasting Governor Hochul’s 2025 agenda. The piece slams congestion pricing, green policies, and tax hikes. It accuses leaders of ignoring public will. Vulnerable road users remain unmentioned. Systemic danger persists.

On January 13, 2025, an editorial opinion referenced State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (District 35) in a critique of Governor Hochul’s upcoming State of the State address. The editorial, published by nypost.com, claims, 'Gov. Hochul's State of the State address Tuesday will outline her 2025 legislative priorities, but New Yorkers shouldn't expect them to reflect their own desires.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as an opponent of charter school expansion and as a key legislative figure. The editorial opposes congestion pricing, green energy programs, and tax increases, but does not address the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst assessment is provided. The piece highlights ongoing systemic risks by ignoring the needs of those most at risk on city streets.

• Political deathwish: Gov. Hochul to unveil sad ’25 agenda in her State of the State, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-13

A southbound SUV struck a parked sedan from behind on Boston Road in the Bronx. The sedan’s female driver suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as the contributing factor in the collision that damaged both vehicles’ bumpers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:20 on Boston Road in the Bronx. A 2022 Jeep SUV traveling southbound struck the left rear bumper of a parked 2009 Nissan sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 25-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to control speed appropriately. The impact point was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights driver error related to speed management in a parked vehicle scenario.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Republican lawmakers blasted MTA chief Janno Lieber. They called for his resignation. They slammed the new $9 congestion toll. They dismissed claims of safer subways. They warned of more taxes. Riders and walkers remain caught in the crossfire.

On January 8, 2025, Republican state legislators, including Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (District 9), held a press conference demanding the resignation of Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Janno Lieber. The lawmakers, joined by Senators Steven Rhoads and Bill Weber, criticized Lieber for 'losing the trust of commuters' and downplaying subway crime. They condemned the new $9 congestion pricing toll for Midtown, with Weber calling it 'tone deaf' and demanding repeal. The event summary reads: 'GOP pols push MTA boss to resign after brushing off transit crime as New York braces for even more taxes, fees.' The lawmakers oppose further taxes and fees to close the MTA’s $33 billion gap. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The debate leaves the city’s most exposed—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders—uncertain and unprotected.

• GOP pols push MTA boss to resign after brushing off transit crime as New York braces for even more taxes, fees, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-08

A 38-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries when a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn on Murdock Ave in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. Driver inattention contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:30 AM on Murdock Ave near E 233 St in the Bronx. A sedan making a right turn struck a 38-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan, indicating the vehicle struck the pedestrian directly during the turn. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield and paying insufficient attention to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04