Inwood Burns While Leaders Stall: Deadly Streets, Broken Promises

City eyes a temporary highway atop Brooklyn Heights. Trucks may thunder down quiet blocks. Residents brace for noise, danger, and disruption. Officials promise green space and safer bike links, but locals call the plan reckless. Streets meant for people, not freight.

On March 1, 2023, NYC DOT floated a plan to build a temporary highway through Brooklyn Heights during the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) rebuild. The agency outlined two options: diverting traffic onto local streets or constructing a bypass road. The matter, described as 'a controversial possibility reminiscent of an earlier plan,' sparked outrage. Assembly Member Robert Carroll slammed the idea of sending trucks onto residential blocks as 'insane.' Lara Birnback of the Brooklyn Heights Association called the plan disruptive and wasteful. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted public calls for 'safer bike and pedestrian connections' and new green space. No bill number or committee was cited. The plan remains a proposal, with no set price or location. Vulnerable road users face increased risk if trucks flood neighborhood streets.

• City May Build A Temporary Highway Through Brooklyn Heights After All, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-01

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

A driver killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a Queens intersection. City workers made minor fixes. Council members demanded daylighting and real barriers. DOT resisted, citing flexibility. Advocates want curb extensions. The city’s slow action leaves streets deadly.

On February 24, 2023, Council Members Julie Won, Tiffany Cabán, and Selvena Brooks-Powers sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) after a driver killed Dolma Naadhun. They demanded daylighting, neckdowns, speed bumps, stop signs, and reflective markings at Newtown Road intersections. The lawmakers wrote, “Nothing can bring back Dolma Naadhun, but we can prevent further loss of life so that no family must experience the loss of a loved one.” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed a Council bill mandating 100 daylighted intersections per year, arguing for flexibility and physical infrastructure in daylit spaces. Advocates and experts agree: daylighting without barriers is flawed. They call for curb extensions to slow drivers and protect people. Residents remain frustrated by the city’s slow, limited response after repeated deaths and injuries.

• R.I.P. DOLMA: A Deep Dive on DOT’s Daylighting Dilemma, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-24

Assembly Bill 4637 would use cameras to keep cars out of bike lanes. The bill targets drivers who block protected lanes. Sponsors say it will protect cyclists from deadly crashes.

Assembly Bill A 4637, now in the sponsorship stage, aims to create a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced on February 21, 2023, enforces restrictions on protected bike lanes using photo devices. The matter title reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill targets drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking protected lanes. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4637, Open States, Published 2023-02-21

A 29-year-old woman was struck while crossing outside an intersection in Manhattan. The SUV, traveling north, made contact without visible damage. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing the street outside a crosswalk near 4918 Broadway in Manhattan. The vehicle involved was a northbound SUV with two occupants and a licensed female driver. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, only unspecified factors related to the pedestrian. The SUV showed no visible damage, and the point of impact was recorded as 'Other.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No safety equipment or helmet was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609480 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

City Council grilled DOT on street safety. Commissioner Rodriguez rejected new bollards, signs, and speed bumps. Advocates demanded action after 255 deaths. Council and DOT agreed only on a 5 mph limit for Open Streets. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), held a hearing on a slate of street safety bills. The matter, titled 'DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals,' saw Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez oppose mandatory installation of bollards, safety signs near schools, reflective curbs, and speed bumps near senior centers. Brooks-Powers opened the hearing noting, 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT doesn’t support any of the bills that we’re looking to discuss today.' Street safety advocates, including Priscilla Afokoba and Amy Cohen, spoke in favor of the proposals, citing the 255 people killed by motorists in the previous year. The only consensus: a resolution to urge Albany to reduce the speed limit to 5 mph on Open Streets, with Governor Hochul signaling support. The hearing highlighted deep divides between the Council and DOT on protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

• DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals, gothamist.com, Published 2023-02-14

Council pressed DOT on slow safety progress. Adams administration rejected bills for traffic calming, daylighting, and crash studies. Council vowed to push forward. DOT blamed staff cuts. Advocates demanded hard fixes. Streets stay deadly. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on a package of street safety bills. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers led the debate. The Adams administration, represented by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, opposed the bills, arguing, 'Streets are dynamic and conditions are constantly changing. We need to be nimble.' The bills would require DOT to install traffic calming near senior centers, daylight intersections, add school safety signs, study and install bollards, and increase crash reporting. Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized the mayor’s budget cuts, saying they undermine safety goals. Brooks-Powers pledged to advance the bills, stressing the need for hard infrastructure, especially in Black and Brown neighborhoods. DOT admitted it is behind on bus and bike lane targets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates insist better design saves lives.

• DOT honchos grilled on street safety progress as Adams admin announces opposition to Council bills, amny.com, Published 2023-02-14

DOT missed safety targets. Council pressed for action. DOT balked, citing staff shortages. Council demanded more. Advocates called bills weak. Streets remain dangerous. No relief for pedestrians or cyclists. City government stalls. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

At a February 14, 2023 City Council oversight hearing, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted the agency failed to meet last year’s street safety benchmarks. The hearing, led by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, reviewed a slate of bills requiring reflective materials, school safety signs, daylighting, bollards, and more frequent fatality studies. Rodriguez said DOT supports the intent but opposes the bills, citing staffing shortages and a need for flexibility. Brooks-Powers expressed disappointment: 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT is not supporting any of the bills.' Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized city austerity and shrinking staff. Advocates, including Amy Cohen, said the bills 'don’t go nearly far enough.' The hearing exposed deep gaps between Council ambition, DOT capacity, and the urgent need for safer streets.

• DOT to Council: Don’t Ask Us To Do More After We Failed to What You Mandated Us To Do Last Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-14

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

Council weighs bills to curb traffic violence. Advocates demand daylighting, civilian enforcement, and street redesigns. Open Plans calls for urgent action. Focus: less driving, more protection for walkers and cyclists. The hearing marks a push for safer, saner streets.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Vision Zero. The agenda covers several bills: Intro 415 (dangerous driving study), Intro 555 (school safety signs), Intro 679 (traffic calming near seniors), Intro 805 (pedestrian safety reporting), Intro 854 (annual daylighting), Intro 879 (bollards at sidewalks), and Intro 441 (5 mph on Open Streets). Open Plans' Sara Lind supports daylighting, civilian and automated enforcement, and home rule for speed limit reductions, stating, 'Self-enforcing streets are best.' Jackson Chabot urges street redesigns and curb reform. Both demand immediate action to protect vulnerable road users. The hearing is the first Vision Zero session under the new mayor.

• From the Assignment Desk: Open Plans Helps Get You Ready for Tuesday’s Council ‘Vision Zero’ Hearing, Streetsblog NYC, 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

Assembly bill A 4057 orders new safety tech in cars. DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for machines to see, sense, and stop. Streets demand more than hope. The bill stands at sponsorship.

Assembly bill A 4057, sponsored by Brian Cunningham and co-sponsored by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon, was introduced on February 9, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' No vote has been held yet. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt new tech, shifting the burden from flesh to steel. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4057, Open States, Published 2023-02-09

DOT adds 80 carshare spaces in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The move targets low-income, transit-poor neighborhoods. Officials say carshare cuts car ownership and miles driven. More spaces will follow. The city aims to curb private cars and free up streets.

On February 8, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced an expansion of its carshare program, adding 80 new curbside spaces across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The program, now permanent after a four-year pilot, aims for 'equitable distribution in predominantly low-income Black and brown neighborhoods with limited transportation options.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We now have the proof that convenient access to carshare frees New Yorkers from the burden of car ownership—while helping to fight climate change.' The expansion follows a pilot that saw a 38.7 million mile annual drop in driving and a reduction in private car ownership among participants. Three companies—Zipcar, Getaround, and Truqit—will deploy vehicles in the new spaces. More spots are planned later this year as the city pushes for fewer private cars and safer, less congested streets.

• City to Roll Out 80 More Carshare Spaces Starting This Week as Program Expands, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-08

Sen. Gillibrand pledged $18 million to shrink Delancey Street. She invoked the death of Dashane Santana. Crashes have battered this corridor for years. The plan promises a road diet, separated bike lanes, and accessibility. Officials say it will change everything. Action is overdue.

On February 7, 2023, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced an $18-million federal grant for redesigning Delancey Street, using most of a $21-million citywide safety fund. The project, still in the design phase, will add separated bike lanes, accessibility upgrades, and a road diet—measures meant to calm traffic and protect vulnerable road users. Gillibrand referenced the 2012 death of 12-year-old Dashane Santana and said, 'We need to do much better.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the project a 'citywide commitment' and said it would 'completely change the feel of Delancey Street, making it safer and more welcoming.' Since 2019, 799 crashes have injured 279 people here, including 69 cyclists and 48 pedestrians. Despite past improvements, injury rates have not dropped. The new plan aims to finally break that cycle.

• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Announces a Delancey Street ‘Road Diet’ … But Doesn’t Know What It Is, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-07

Senator John Liu pushes to drop New York’s legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Drunk drivers killed 307 people statewide in 2019. The bill aims to cut deaths. Utah saw fatal crashes fall after a similar move. The message: don’t drink and drive.

On February 7, 2023, Queens State Senator John Liu, representing District 16, publicly supported a bill in the State Legislature to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05. The bill’s summary states, 'The 0.05 BAC simply says, don’t drink and drive.' Liu, as the bill’s primary sponsor, emphasized that anyone found with a BAC over 0.05 would be charged with DWI. City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez joined the push, warning, 'Whether they are at 0.06 or 0.12 or 0.20, the consequences can be deadly.' Drunk driving caused 307 deaths in New York State in 2019, nearly a third of all fatal crashes. Utah’s adoption of a 0.05 BAC limit led to a 20% drop in fatal crashes in its first year. The bill is part of a broader effort to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers from impaired drivers.

• City transportation chief joins state push to lower blood alcohol limits, amny.com, Published 2023-02-07

Eighteen million federal dollars will cut lanes, build bike paths, and add access on Delancey Street. The stretch has killed and maimed for years. Officials call it a crisis. The redesign aims to protect walkers and riders where drivers have struck down too many.

On February 6, 2023, officials announced an $18 million federal grant for a street safety overhaul on Delancey Street, Manhattan. The project, funded by the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, will reduce traffic lanes, add protected bike paths, and improve accessibility between Clinton and Bowery Streets. The announcement follows years of crashes—38 killed or severely injured from 2016 to 2020, and 200 crashes in a decade. Council Member Carlina Rivera (District 2) was mentioned in the announcement. Council Member Christopher Marte called the road a 'crisis.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the redesign focuses on a hazardous stretch heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, 'Old folks, toddlers, workers and students shouldn’t have to fear for their lives.' The grant marks a step toward safer streets for New York’s most vulnerable.

• Gillibrand, local pols unveil $18M federal grant to redesign dangerous stretch of Delancey Street, amny.com, Published 2023-02-06

DOT revives its student contest to push street safety and walking. Kids make PSAs. Winners get cash. Council Member Narcisse backs the move. The city wants young voices to remind drivers: streets are for people, not just cars.

On February 3, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the return of the 'We're Walking Here' competition. This program, paused during the pandemic, targets K-12 students across New York City. The contest runs March 6-31, with students creating public-service announcements to promote walking and traffic safety. Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, representing District 46, voiced support: 'I am happy to support the NYC DOT's relaunch of their "We're Walking Here" campaign to raise awareness of our collective responsibility to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries.' The contest partners with the 'Hip Hop 50' campaign, blending street safety with city culture. Winners receive prizes from The Safe Streets Fund. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called students 'some of our most vulnerable pedestrians.' The program aims to put safety in the hands of those most at risk.

• DOT brings back student competition that promotes health and street safety, amny.com, Published 2023-02-03

Assembly bill A 3180 demands complete street design on state and federally funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. The bill calls for public guidance. Streets must serve people, not just cars.

Assembly Bill A 3180 was introduced on February 2, 2023, and is 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 planners to think of people first. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: streets must protect all users, not just drivers.

• File A 3180, Open States, Published 2023-02-02

Assembly bill A 2610 targets bus lane cheaters. Sponsors back cameras and owner liability. The goal: keep bus lanes clear, speed up buses, cut crashes. No votes yet. The fight for safer streets rolls on.

Assembly bill A 2610, now in sponsorship, aims to extend bus rapid transit camera enforcement. The bill, titled "Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions," was introduced January 26, 2023. Primary sponsor Alicia Hyndman leads, joined by Deborah Glick, Sarahana Shrestha, Manny De Los Santos, Zohran Mamdani, and others. The bill would hold vehicle owners liable for bus lane violations and expand photo enforcement. No votes have been recorded. The measure seeks to keep bus lanes clear, speed up transit, and reduce risk for those outside cars.

• File A 2610, Open States, Published 2023-01-26