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

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

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

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

Lawmakers blasted city officials for letting trash haulers with deadly records win new contracts. Council grilled DSNY for picking low bids over safety. Victims’ lives lost in the math. Oversight weak. Dangerous firms keep rolling. Streets stay risky for all.

On June 4, 2024, the City Council held an oversight hearing on commercial waste zone implementation and contractor selection. The hearing spotlighted the Commercial Waste Zones law, which aims to cut crashes by limiting private trash haulers in each zone. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, author of the 2019 reform, and Council Member Shaun Abreu led the charge, questioning why companies like Cogent Waste Solutions—with poor safety records—were awarded contracts. Reynoso declared, "Saving $20 for a business is not worth five human lives." DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the process, promising to terminate contracts after multiple at-fault fatalities. BIC Commissioner Liz Crotty admitted, "Safety is not a factor" in license denial. Lawmakers condemned the city for putting cost before safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Pols Slam City For Giving Rogue Carters Permits for New Zones, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-04

Two sedans collided on Edgecombe Avenue in Manhattan. The 62-year-old male driver suffered a hip and upper leg injury and was in shock. The crash involved multiple vehicles and was caused by vehicular errors, according to the police report.

At 21:09 on Edgecombe Avenue in Manhattan, two sedans collided, resulting in injury. According to the police report, the 62-year-old male driver of a 2013 Toyota sedan was injured, sustaining hip and upper leg trauma and was reported to be in shock. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and complained of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' contributing factors multiple times, indicating driver errors related to vehicle operation. One sedan was traveling south going straight ahead with center front end impact and damage, while the other sedan was parked with center back end impact and damage. The police report does not attribute any contributing factors to the victim's behavior, focusing instead on vehicular errors as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731211 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Sanitation named a monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions after fatal crashes and hundreds of violations. Council members question why a company with such a record still hauls trash in city zones. The city’s new waste program promises stricter oversight, but danger remains.

On June 3, 2024, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) appointed an independent monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions, a private carting firm with a deadly safety record. The move comes before the city’s new Commercial Waste Zone program launches this fall. Council Members Shaun Abreu and Sandy Nurse raised alarms, asking, 'how the city awarded a contract to a company with a history of endangering workers to begin with.' Cogent’s trucks have killed one, injured four, and racked up hundreds of violations. Despite this, DSNY allowed Cogent to win contracts in four waste zones. DSNY Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman defended the process, stating, 'Safety was absolutely one of the weighted factors,' and promised, 'there will be consequences for lack of compliance.' The oversight hearing exposes a system that lets reckless firms operate, even as new rules loom.

• Exclusive: Sanitation Dept. Appoints Monitor for Carting Firm with Spotty Safety Record, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-03

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

Two northbound vehicles collided on Amsterdam Avenue while both were making left turns. The impact struck the left side doors of the SUV and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. A front passenger suffered a head injury and whiplash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:10 on Amsterdam Avenue involving a 2005 Chevrolet SUV and a 1999 Toyota sedan, both traveling north and making left turns. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. The front passenger in the SUV, a 34-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction during complex maneuvers like left turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729209 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan veered across lanes on Broadway. It struck another sedan. The front passenger took the blow. She suffered internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. The driver’s reckless move left her hurt and conscious.

According to the police report, a northbound sedan attempted an unsafe lane change near 3462 Broadway in Manhattan at 16:39. The maneuver caused a collision with another northbound sedan traveling straight. The impact hit the right rear quarter panel of the struck vehicle and the left front bumper of the lane-changing car. A 38-year-old woman, seated in the front passenger seat of the struck sedan, sustained internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. She was conscious at the scene. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The injured passenger was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No actions by the victim contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729206 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2024-05-28

Sedan hit e-scooter on West 147 Street. Rider thrown, left unconscious. Driver inattention listed as cause. System failed to protect the vulnerable. Metal met flesh. Injury followed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on West 147 Street near Amsterdam Avenue struck an e-scooter, also heading north. The 42-year-old female e-scooter rider was partially ejected and rendered unconscious, suffering injuries. The sedan’s left rear quarter panel was damaged. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for the crash. No contributing factors were listed for the e-scooter rider. This collision highlights the danger distracted drivers pose to people using micromobility devices on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A box truck struck a stationary SUV on Broadway, injuring the truck driver. The collision caused abrasions and lower leg injuries. According to the police report, the truck driver followed too closely and exhibited aggressive driving, leading to the crash.

According to the police report, at 16:25 on Broadway, a 2015 box truck operated by a 53-year-old male driver rear-ended a stationary Jeep SUV. The truck was initially parked and then collided with the SUV's center front end, impacting the truck’s left side doors. The truck driver was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors for the truck driver. The injured driver was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other occupants were reported injured. The crash highlights driver error in maintaining safe following distance and controlling aggressive behavior, causing harm to the truck driver and vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730353 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a vehicle made a right turn and struck him on West 155 Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian remained conscious despite injuries.

According to the police report, at 11:27 AM on West 155 Street in Manhattan, a vehicle traveling north made a right turn and struck a 48-year-old male pedestrian. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3, but remained conscious. The report lists the pedestrian’s contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors are explicitly cited. The vehicle was unoccupied except for the driver, whose license status and sex were not provided. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles in pedestrian areas, with the pedestrian’s exact location and actions unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727435 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A northbound SUV collided with a motorcycle on West 150 Street in Manhattan. The motorcycle driver suffered abrasions and an elbow injury. Police cited the SUV driver’s improper lane usage and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 150 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 13:59. A 58-year-old male SUV driver was entering a parked position when his vehicle’s right front quarter panel struck the left side doors of a northbound motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, also male, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors attributed to the SUV driver. No other contributing factors related to the motorcycle driver were noted. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and improper lane changes in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720894 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A runaway BMW fleeing police tore down Amsterdam Avenue. Its left bumper smashed into a 29-year-old man. His leg split open. Blood pooled on the asphalt. The car did not stop. The man stayed awake, wounded and alone.

According to the police report, a 2016 BMW sedan, described as a 'runaway vehicle' and 'fleeing police,' struck a 29-year-old pedestrian on Amsterdam Avenue near 152nd Street at 1:30 a.m. The report states the vehicle was traveling at an 'unsafe speed' and was involved in a police pursuit. The BMW's left front bumper hit the pedestrian low, causing severe lacerations to his knee and lower leg. The man remained conscious as blood pooled around him. The report notes the driver was unlicensed and did not stop after the collision. The primary contributing factors listed are 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle' and 'Unsafe Speed.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway,' but the report attributes fault to the vehicle's dangerous movement and the driver's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Councilmember Shaun Abreu introduced a bill to force delivery apps to restore tipping at checkout. The measure aims to stop app companies from hiding tips and cutting worker pay. Delivery workers say lost tips mean lost meals. The fight is on.

On April 9, 2024, Councilmember Shaun Abreu (District 7) introduced a bill targeting delivery app tipping practices. The bill, now before the City Council, would require apps to let customers tip at checkout and set a minimum gratuity suggestion of 10%. The measure responds to recent app changes that made tipping harder, slashing delivery workers’ earnings. Abreu called it 'the most common sense bill for not only Deliveristas but consumers.' The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection stated it does not endorse the app companies’ decisions and will review the legislation. Abreu is also working on a pay transparency bill. The legislation seeks to restore lost income for delivery workers, who rely on tips to survive.

• NYC delivery workers say apps are making it harder to tip. A new bill could change that., gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-09

Four SUVs and one sedan collided on Riverside Drive, injuring two occupants. Drivers were traveling north when impact occurred. Police report cites unsafe speed and other vehicular factors as causes. Injured suffered back and chest injuries, both in shock.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Riverside Drive involving four SUVs and one sedan. The vehicles were all traveling north when the crash happened around 17:47. The report lists contributing factors as unsafe speed and multiple 'Other Vehicular' errors, indicating driver mistakes. Two occupants were injured: a 29-year-old male driver with back injuries and a 66-year-old female front passenger with chest injuries. Both were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report does not indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behavior as contributing factors. The collision damaged the left front bumpers of several SUVs and the right rear quarter panel of another, highlighting the severity of the impact and driver errors leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715444 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Box truck turned right, struck SUV. Both drivers hurt—whiplash, chest, back pain. Metal twisted. No pedestrians. Driver errors flagged. Night on Riverside Drive, danger in the dark.

According to the police report, a box truck making a right turn westbound collided with a northbound SUV on Riverside Drive at 20:32. Both drivers, men aged 37, suffered moderate injuries, including whiplash and pain to the chest and back. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both drivers, indicating errors in vehicle operation. The crash damaged the left front quarter panel of the truck and the right front bumper of the SUV. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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