Corona Bleeds: Kids Hurt, Leaders Stall, Streets Kill

Council moves to ban car dealers from clogging city streets with vehicles for sale or repair. Fines and impoundment loom. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0462-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to limiting the parking of motor vehicles by dealers,' targets car dealers who use public streets as showrooms or repair lots. Sponsored by Francisco P. Moya (primary), with Shahana K. Hanif, Lincoln Restler, and Sandra Ung as co-sponsors, the measure bans dealers from parking, storing, or maintaining vehicles on city streets except for emergencies. Placards are required for vehicles awaiting repair. Violators face fines and possible impoundment. Owners get a defense if ticketed while a dealer holds their car. The bill aims to reclaim public space and reduce hazards for vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0462-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council demands notice before city cuts lanes or parking. Moya’s bill forces DOT to warn and hear out locals. Streets change slower. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, it requires the Department of Transportation to give notice and seek comments from council members, community boards, and business groups before removing a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The bill’s matter title: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the measure. The bill slows street redesigns. It gives drivers and businesses more say, but leaves vulnerable road users waiting for safer streets.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. Cars stop. Kids cross in all directions. Fewer deadly conflicts. Bill aims to shield students at arrival and dismissal. Action now sits in committee.

Resolution 0060-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The resolution states: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks halt all vehicles, letting pedestrians cross in every direction. This design cuts car-pedestrian conflicts, especially for children. The council's action follows years of crashes near schools and a drop in crossing guards. The bill aims to protect the city's most vulnerable road users—its students.

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

Albany lawmakers stall on legalizing NYC basement apartments. The plan aims to bring illegal units up to code, add exits, and boost safety. Debate drags on. Tenants remain at risk. Lawmakers demand a broad housing deal before action.

The debate centers on a state proposal to legalize and regulate New York City basement apartments, discussed in Albany on February 1, 2024. The measure, part of Governor Hochul’s $233 billion budget, would let the city set safety standards and grant amnesty to landlords who upgrade illegal units. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the debate, insists on a comprehensive housing package, stating, 'the conversation... has to be comprehensive, including tenant protections.' The bill remains stalled in committee as lawmakers demand broader reforms. Supporters argue that keeping basement units illegal endangers tenants and leaves them exposed to unsafe conditions. Critics question whether the city can inspect and enforce new standards. As gridlock continues, tens of thousands of tenants remain in unsafe, unregulated basement homes.

• NYC basement legalization plan caught in Albany’s housing gridlock, gothamist.com, Published 2024-02-01

A speeding SUV driver killed Yenny Baquedano, 61, in Jackson Heights. The driver fled. Councilmember Ramos demanded scramble crosswalks and real safety. Pedestrian deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. City leaders and DOT face sharp criticism for inaction.

On February 1, 2024, a hit-and-run SUV driver fatally struck Yenny Baquedano, 61, as she crossed 90th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens. The incident, reported by Streetsblog NYC, highlights a surge in pedestrian deaths—nineteen so far this year, with injuries up 2.6 percent. Councilmember Jessica Ramos, referencing two children recently hit in her district, called for scramble crosswalks outside schools and demanded urgent attention to street safety: 'I can’t keep getting calls like this.' Transportation Alternatives condemned the Department of Transportation for installing only two Leading Pedestrian Intervals on Glenwood Road since 2014, despite repeated fatalities. The group urged elected leaders to act now to prevent more deaths. The bill or action is not numbered, but the event underscores systemic failures and the urgent need for citywide safety improvements.

• Woman Fatally Struck By Hit-and-Run Driver in Queens, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-01

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision on Roosevelt Avenue. He was ejected from his bike, suffering a contusion and injuries to his elbow and hand. The driver was distracted.

A bicyclist, age 35, was injured in a crash on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the driver was making a U-turn when the collision occurred. The bicyclist was traveling straight ahead and was ejected from his bike. He sustained a contusion and injuries to his elbow and hand. The police report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council calls for scramble crosswalks at schools. Kids cross in all directions. Cars stop. Fewer deadly conflicts. NYPD cut crossing guards. Streets stay dangerous. Council pushes Albany for action.

Resolution Res 0792-2023 was filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 28, 2023, and filed at session’s end, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The matter: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings during times of student arrival and dismissal.' Council Members Hanif (primary), Brooks-Powers, Restler, and Riley sponsored. The bill responds to deadly crashes near schools and NYPD’s cut of 486 crossing guards. Scramble crosswalks stop all cars so kids cross in every direction, cutting conflicts. The Council wants the state to act before more children are hurt.

• File Res 0792-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

A 42-year-old man on an e-bike was injured in a collision with a sedan in Queens. He suffered a knee injury and contusion. The driver was distracted.

In Queens, a 42-year-old male e-bike rider was injured in a collision with a sedan. According to the police report, the crash occurred when both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The rider sustained injuries to his knee and a contusion. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver of the sedan was unlicensed. The e-bike rider wore a helmet at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691191 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A pick-up truck turning right struck a 21-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on 108 Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bike showed no damage. The driver remained licensed.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead on 108 Street in Queens. The bicyclist, a 21-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The pick-up truck, driven by a licensed male driver, showed no damage. The bike also showed no damage. No helmet or signaling factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Steve Cohen wants a casino at Citi Field. He promises green space and bike lanes. Renderings show paths, but crossing the Grand Central Parkway stays deadly. Locals want safer streets, not slots. Lawmakers push for community input. The fight for access continues.

Billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen has proposed a major redevelopment of the Citi Field parking lot, including a Hard Rock casino, public park, plaza, bike lanes, and a renovated train station. The plan, called 'Metropolitan Park,' was unveiled on November 7, 2023. Assembly Member Jeffrey Aubrion introduced a bill to enable construction by 'alienating' parkland, but State Sen. Jessica Ramos, the local representative, remains skeptical. Ramos said, 'I didn't think a casino is necessary to redevelop the parking lot or create a safer pathway from 34th Street to the baseball stadium,' and stressed the need for community input: 'It's important that my neighbors look carefully at the proposal and we'll continue together with our process.' Public visioning sessions showed residents want better bike and transit connections, not gambling. The proposal highlights new bike lanes on Roosevelt Avenue and Boat Basin Place, but fails to address the hazardous crossing at Grand Central Parkway for cyclists and pedestrians. Details on funding and implementation remain unclear.

• Billionaire Mets Owner: Give Me Your Gambling Addicts and I’ll Give You Bike Lanes and Public Space, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-07

Two men suffered neck injuries in a Queens crash on Roosevelt Avenue. Both were conscious and wearing seat belts. The collision involved multiple SUVs, with alcohol cited as a contributing factor. Both victims complained of whiplash but were not ejected.

According to the police report, a crash occurred on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens involving multiple SUVs. Two male occupants, a 44-year-old driver and a 33-year-old front passenger, were injured with neck pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The vehicles were either parked, backing, or starting from parking before the collision. Damage was noted on the center front and rear ends and the left rear quarter panel of the vehicles. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified in the data. Both injured occupants were not ejected from their vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan hit a 44-year-old man crossing Vandoren Street in Queens. The car struck his lower leg and foot. He suffered bruises but stayed conscious. No driver errors listed. The crash happened outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a northbound sedan while crossing Vandoren Street in Queens. The impact hit his knee, lower leg, and foot, causing contusions and bruises. He remained conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The sedan was traveling straight ahead and sustained damage to its right front bumper. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05