Central Park Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

NYC leaders went to Albany. They demanded lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets the city set its own speed limits. Brad Hoylman-Sigal led the charge. The law is named for a child killed by a car. The fight is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On May 30, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and other NYC officials lobbied the state legislature to pass key transportation and housing bills before the session ends June 9. The centerpiece is 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let New York City set its own speed limits, potentially lowering them to 20 mph. Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor, said, 'Senators in Massapequa shouldn’t set the speed limit for Manhattan—or the reverse.' The law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a car in Brooklyn. The bill had stalled before, but this year the required home rule resolution was submitted. Mayor Adams’ administration also pushed for affordable housing reforms. The push for Sammy’s Law is a fight to give NYC control over its streets and protect vulnerable road users from deadly speeding.

• NYC officials press Albany to pass critical bills on housing, city speed limit and others before session ends, nypost.com, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

A 49-year-old man riding a BMW motorcycle was injured in Manhattan. The crash happened on Transverse Road Number One. The driver suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured in a crash on Transverse Road Number One in Manhattan. The driver was wearing a helmet and was conscious after the crash. He sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The motorcycle sustained damage to the left front bumper. No other vehicles showed damage or injuries. The driver was not ejected from the motorcycle. The crash occurred while the motorcycle was traveling straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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

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

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 62-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on Central Park West. The SUV struck the bike’s left side doors with its right front quarter panel. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected after a collision with a 2021 SUV on Central Park West. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver traveling north, struck the left side doors of the bike while the bicyclist was changing lanes. The SUV’s point of impact was its right front quarter panel. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627693 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 57-year-old male e-bike rider was ejected and injured on 5 Avenue near East 66 Street. He suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The crash involved unsafe speed and driver distraction. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike was injured and ejected during a crash on 5 Avenue in Manhattan. The rider suffered a fracture and dislocation to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver errors including unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The e-bike was traveling south, going straight ahead, and sustained no damage. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and speeding riders on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. Filed, but the fight for safer roads presses on.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 (Sammy’s Law) and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. Introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, the resolution states: “allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.” Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package targets reckless driving, seeks lower speed limits, mandates safe passing for cyclists, and demands crash victims’ rights. The bill is filed, but its demands echo: protect the most vulnerable on city streets.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. The bills would let New York City lower speed limits and give crash victims new rights. Lawmakers push to curb deadly driving and protect those on foot and bike.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The resolution, introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, calls for 'allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package aims to cut speeds, redesign streets, and support crash victims. It would let the city set safer limits, require safe passing for cyclists, and mandate complete street design. The council’s action spotlights the urgent need to protect people walking, biking, and riding in New York.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. The bills would let New York City lower speed limits and give crash victims new rights. Lawmakers push to curb deadly driving and protect those on foot and bike.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The resolution, introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, calls for 'allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package aims to cut speeds, redesign streets, and support crash victims. It would let the city set safer limits, require safe passing for cyclists, and mandate complete street design. The council’s action spotlights the urgent need to protect people walking, biking, and riding in New York.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

City hands Verra Mobility a $367 million contract for traffic cameras. The firm faced past overbilling claims. Councilwoman Gale Brewer calls the move bewildering. Cameras cut speeding by 73% in school zones. City oversight remains under scrutiny.

On April 10, 2023, New York City awarded a $367 million traffic camera contract to Verra Mobility, despite the firm’s prior overbilling allegations. The deal follows a $1.3 million settlement over unnecessary work, including extra electrical poles and poor training. The contract was approved under Mayor Adams and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, while Verra was under Department of Investigation monitorship. Manhattan Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer questioned the decision, stating, 'It is bewildering how you end up with a $1.3 million settlement... and then you get a new contract for more than $300 million.' The city comptroller’s office reviewed the settlement before approval. City data shows a 73% drop in speeding in camera-monitored school zones, but Brewer’s concerns highlight ongoing doubts about oversight and accountability.

• NYC has awarded nearly $1B in traffic camera contracts to firm accused of overbilling city for unnecessary work, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-04-10

New York City sits on a mountain of unpaid traffic fines. Over $1 billion owed. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams slams budget cuts. She demands the city collect what drivers owe. Unpaid tickets mean reckless drivers dodge consequences. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

On April 5, 2023, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28) responded to a report showing New York City is owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking and speeding fines. The Independent Budget Office found $1.02 billion in unpaid traffic fines from 2017 to 2022, including camera tickets for speeding and red lights. The matter, titled 'Ticket to slide: NYC owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking, speeding fines, report finds,' highlights growing debt as enforcement lags. Adams, along with Comptroller Brad Lander, criticized further city agency budget cuts, urging the city to collect owed fines instead. The report notes that while 24/7 school-zone speed cameras have reduced speeding, the city has failed to stop drivers from evading cameras with defaced or fake plates—letting dangerous drivers escape accountability. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

• Ticket to slide: NYC owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking, speeding fines, report finds, amny.com, Published 2023-04-05

New York City is owed $2.1 billion in unpaid fines for traffic, parking, and safety violations. Councilwoman Gale Brewer called out the city’s failure to collect. The backlog grows as automated enforcement expands. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while scofflaws dodge penalties.

On April 5, 2023, the City Council held an oversight and budget discussion on the collection of transportation-related fines. The matter, requested by Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer (District 6), revealed that 'delinquents owe New York City a staggering $2.1 billion in bills racked up since 2017 for parking, traffic, safety code, and property-related violations.' Brewer stated, 'We don’t do a good job of collecting this money. We have to do a better job.' The Independent Budget Office found over $1 billion in uncollected parking and red light camera fines, with the backlog rising as the city increases automated enforcement. The unpaid fines represent a systemic failure to hold dangerous drivers accountable, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The discussion underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable road users.

• Scofflaws owe NYC a whopping $2.1B for safety violations, property bills: watchdog, nypost.com, Published 2023-04-05

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

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