Hamilton Heights: Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Why Won’t the City Act?

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

A 34-year-old male driver injured his elbow and lower arm in a collision on Saint Nicholas Avenue. Both vehicles were southbound. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. The SUV was parked and struck on the left side. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male driver was injured in a crash involving a box truck and a parked SUV on Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. The driver suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" twice as contributing factors. The box truck was traveling southbound, while the SUV was parked and struck on its left side doors. No damage was reported on the truck, and the driver was not ejected. The crash highlights the role of driver distraction in causing injury to the driver himself.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632270 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

A 54-year-old woman was hit by an eastbound SUV at an intersection on West 155 Street. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. Police list unspecified factors.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was injured when struck by a 2022 SUV traveling east on West 155 Street. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'unspecified.' The SUV showed no visible damage after the collision. The pedestrian's actions remain unknown. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630687 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 32-year-old woman suffered a head injury as an SUV made a right turn and struck a stopped taxi on West 145 Street in Manhattan. The passenger was unconscious and bruised. The SUV driver was unlicensed and driving aggressively.

According to the police report, an unlicensed male driver in a 2005 SUV made a right turn on West 145 Street and collided with a stopped taxi. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the SUV and the left rear bumper of the taxi. A 32-year-old female front-seat passenger in the SUV was injured, suffering a head contusion and was unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The injured occupant was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The taxi driver was licensed and stopped in traffic at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 moped collided with an SUV on Amsterdam Avenue. The unlicensed moped driver was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The crash involved traffic control disregard and driver distraction.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Amsterdam Avenue struck a station wagon/SUV going east. The moped driver, age 23, was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The moped driver was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the right side doors of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The crash caused significant injury to the moped driver, who was conscious but injured. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629255 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A motorcycle and sedan collided head-on on West 155 Street. The motorcycle driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes. The rider was conscious and wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on West 155 Street struck a sedan also traveling west. The motorcycle driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors to the crash. The motorcycle driver was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. He was wearing a helmet classified as 'Helmet/Other (In-Line Skater/Bicyclist).' The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. The collision point on the motorcycle was its left side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629178 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Sanitation wants to box up trash. That means tearing up 150,000 parking spots. The city will spend big. Car owners howl. Advocates call it bold. A pilot starts in Manhattan. Council Member Abreu backs it. Change comes slow, but the city may never look the same.

On May 8, 2023, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) released a sweeping proposal to containerize New York City’s sidewalk trash. The plan, not yet a formal bill, launches with a pilot in Manhattan’s Community Board 9, supported by Council Member Shaun Abreu, who declared, “We’re going to start containerizing our trash.” The DSNY report claims containerization could work in 89% of the city but demands a major overhaul: 150,000 curbside parking spots repurposed, hundreds of millions spent on new trucks and bins. The matter summary notes, 'New York City can containerize its sidewalk garbage, but doing so will require a major overhaul of the sanitation system.' Advocates like Christine Berthet call it transformative; others, like car owners, bristle at lost parking. The plan faces political headwinds, but if realized, it could mark a historic shift for city streets.

• ANALYSIS: Waste Containerization Will Be Big Lift, But Could Be Historic Change for Trash City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-08

A 58-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV on Riverside Drive. The SUV struck the cyclist’s bike at the right rear quarter panel. The cyclist suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious and helmeted.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Riverside Drive involving a station wagon/SUV and a bicyclist. The SUV was traveling north and the bike west when the SUV struck the bike’s center front end at its right rear quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 58-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and wearing a helmet. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The cyclist was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

New York City will cut 150,000 free parking spots for trash containers. The pilot starts in West Harlem this fall. The plan clears sidewalks, targets rats, and reclaims space for people. Council member Abreu and advocates back the move. Change is coming.

The Department of Sanitation announced a pilot to eliminate 150,000 free residential parking spaces for trash containerization. The program, starting fall 2023 in West Harlem, covers up to 10 residential blocks and 14 public schools. The DSNY report, with McKinsey input, finds containerization viable for most neighborhoods. The matter aims to 'remove garbage bags from sidewalks' and address public health. Council member Shaun Abreu supports the initiative, calling current practices 'backwards' and endorsing large-scale containerization. Advocates like CHEKPEDS founder Christine Berthet support repurposing parking for trash containers, citing sidewalk access. The city will double trash collection in the pilot area, with $5.7 million allocated. The plan faces challenges in dense areas, but signals a shift toward safer, cleaner streets for all.

• Sanitation: Trash Containerization Can Be Done With a Historic Reuse of Parking; Pilot to Start This Fall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

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

A box truck changed lanes and struck a sedan from behind on Broadway. The sedan’s driver and right rear passenger suffered whiplash and head and back injuries. Both were conscious and not ejected. The truck driver followed too closely and was distracted.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Broadway changed lanes and collided with the left rear bumper of a sedan also traveling south. The sedan carried two occupants: a 34-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male right rear passenger. Both were injured, sustaining whiplash and head or back injuries, but remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists the truck driver’s contributing factors as "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision caused damage to the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 62-year-old man driving a sedan on Convent Avenue crashed into another vehicle ahead. The impact hit the left front bumper of the striking car and the right rear bumper of the struck sedan. The driver suffered back injuries and whiplash.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male driver was involved in a rear-end collision on Convent Avenue. The driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash, and remained conscious. The crash occurred when the driver, operating a sedan, struck the rear of another sedan traveling south. Contributing factors listed include driver inexperience and following too closely. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the striking vehicle and the right rear bumper of the struck vehicle. No other persons were reported injured or ejected. The report does not indicate any helmet use or signaling issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 2023-02-28

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

A motorcycle rider was ejected after a sedan made a left turn on West 145 Street. The rider suffered head abrasions and was injured. The sedan struck the motorcycle’s left side doors. Failure to yield and unsafe speed contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on West 145 Street made a left turn and collided with a motorcycle going straight west. The motorcycle driver, a 22-year-old male occupant, was ejected and sustained head abrasions. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The sedan struck the motorcycle on its left side doors, causing the rider’s injury. The motorcycle driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and making a left turn at the time of impact. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to oncoming motorcycles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07