Middle Village Bleeds While Leaders Hide

Council eyes bigger NYPD tow pounds. Bill demands enough space to haul away law-breaking cars. Public reports would track towing. Committee shelves action. Streets wait.

Int 0179-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, would require the NYPD to run tow pounds with enough capacity to deter illegal driving. The bill, introduced February 28, 2024, and discussed again on April 28, 2025, reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to police department tow pound capacity.' Council Member Kamillah Hanks led as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Farías, Narcisse, Restler, Hudson, Louis, and Holden. The bill also calls for public reports on towing operations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0179-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets repair shops and rentals clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines hit hard. Streets clear for people, not profit. Committee weighs next move.

Bill Int 0227-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto shops, rental businesses, and gas stations using public streets for business parking. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Vickie Paladino, Erik D. Bottcher, and Robert F. Holden back the bill. Violators face $250–$400 daily fines and possible impoundment. The law aims to reclaim curb space for the public, not private fleets. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from hogging curb. No more saving spots with cars. No more leaving vehicles parked for weeks. Streets clear, rules tight. Holden leads the charge. Committee weighs the bill.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using a car to reserve a public parking space and blocks parking in one spot for over five days. The matter title: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, now under committee review. The Department of Transportation must alert vehicle owners and stakeholders. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on pedestrians or cyclists.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from hogging curb. No more saving spots with cars. No more leaving vehicles parked for weeks. Streets clear, rules tight. Holden leads the charge. Committee weighs the bill.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using a car to reserve a public parking space and blocks parking in one spot for over five days. The matter title: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, now under committee review. The Department of Transportation must alert vehicle owners and stakeholders. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on pedestrians or cyclists.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from using cars as barricades. No more saving spots. No more leaving cars idle for days. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using vehicles to reserve parking and blocks cars from sitting in one spot over five days. The matter title reads: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, which also requires DOT outreach to alert drivers and stakeholders. No votes yet. The bill aims to keep curb space moving and cut hazards for people outside cars.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from using cars as barricades. No more saving spots. No more leaving cars idle for days. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using vehicles to reserve parking and blocks cars from sitting in one spot over five days. The matter title reads: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, which also requires DOT outreach to alert drivers and stakeholders. No votes yet. The bill aims to keep curb space moving and cut hazards for people outside cars.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Danielle Aber died on Nassau Avenue. The driver, Stanley Manel, had 26 speed camera tickets. He faced minor charges. Officials demand action: lower speed limits, force repeat offenders to install speed controls, and redesign deadly streets. The city’s inaction kills.

"Assembly Member Gallagher carries legislation requiring drivers with six or more speeding tickets in a year – or with 11 or more points on their license in 18 months – to install an intelligent speed assistance device in their car that prevents speeding." -- Dennis P. Gallagher

On February 25, 2024, after Danielle Aber was killed by a repeat speeding driver in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a coalition of elected officials demanded sweeping changes. The group—Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez—called for passage of two state bills: one mandating intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers with six or more speeding tickets in a year, and 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let the City Council lower speed limits. Their statement read, 'We’re calling on the New York State legislature to pass two critical bills that would lead to fewer incidents of traffic violence.' They also urged the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting at intersections, and to convert Nassau and Norman avenues to one-way streets. The officials’ push highlights the deadly gap in accountability and infrastructure that leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Greenpoint Woman Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-25

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

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 taxi struck the rear of an SUV traveling north on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The impact injured a 75-year-old female passenger in the SUV, causing neck whiplash. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:10 on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. A taxi, traveling north and slowing or stopping, collided with the center back end of an SUV also traveling north. The SUV sustained center front end damage. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance. A 75-year-old female occupant in the SUV, seated in the right rear passenger position and secured with a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The collision highlights the systemic danger of tailgating and insufficient stopping distance on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle rider was injured in a collision with an SUV in Queens. The impact was severe. The rider suffered abrasions. The driver was making a left turn when the crash occurred.

A motorcycle rider, 25, was injured in a crash involving a 2023 SUV in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV was making a left turn when it collided with the motorcycle, which was going straight ahead. The rider sustained injuries to his entire body, classified as a severity level 3, and complained of abrasions. The driver was licensed and the motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Member Holden pushed a helmet law for all cyclists. The bill died in committee. Riders faced a $50 fine. No change for city streets. The danger remains. Cars still rule the road.

"A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear" -- Robert F. Holden

Int 1259-2023, introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden, aimed to require every bicyclist in New York City to wear protective headgear. The bill was filed at the end of session by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with key dates on December 6 and December 31, 2023. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Holden sponsored the bill, which would have fined unhelmeted riders up to $50. The bill stalled and did not become law. No systemic change for vulnerable road users. The threat from cars remains unaddressed.

• File Int 1259-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council Member Holden pushed a helmet law for all cyclists. The bill died in committee. Riders faced a $50 fine. The city kept its patchwork of rules. No change for those most at risk.

"A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear" -- Robert F. Holden

Int 1259-2023, introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden, sought to require every bicyclist in New York City to wear protective headgear. The bill was filed at session's end by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its December 6, 2023 introduction. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Holden sponsored the measure. The law would have fined unhelmeted riders up to $50, exempting those already covered by other helmet laws. The bill did not advance. No new protections for vulnerable road users resulted.

• File Int 1259-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-06