Queens Boulevard Bleeds—And City Hall Lets It Happen

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

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

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

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

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

Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

Senate bill S 9490 raises penalties for endangering highway workers. It pushes work zone safety and funds more enforcement. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 9490 was introduced on May 16, 2024, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to 'increase penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promote work zone safety awareness; establish a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement.' Senator Jeremy Cooney leads as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who threaten highway workers, seeking to make work zones less deadly. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9490, Open States, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill redefines major transit projects. Bike lanes, busways, and bus lanes now trigger community board notice. DOT must present plans, boards get sixty days to respond. Progress reports go public. Holden and Ariola sponsor.

Int 0880-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Joann Ariola and Robert F. Holden, it amends city code to require community notification for any bus lane, busway, or bike lane project, no matter the size. The bill states: 'construction or removal of a bus lane, busway, or bike lane' counts as a major project. DOT must present plans to affected boards, who get sixty days to comment. DOT must post quarterly updates online. Ariola is the primary sponsor; Holden co-sponsors. The bill aims to increase transparency and community input on street changes that shape safety for all.

• File Int 0880-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A 63-year-old woman suffered severe whole-body injuries and lost consciousness after a BMW sedan hit her at an intersection. The driver, holding only a permit, struck her with the vehicle’s right front bumper while traveling northbound late at night.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old female pedestrian was crossing 63 Drive at Queens Boulevard against the signal when she was struck by a northbound BMW sedan. The vehicle’s right front bumper made impact, causing severe injuries to the pedestrian’s entire body and rendering her unconscious. The driver, a male with a New York permit, was the sole occupant of the 2021 BMW. The report notes the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal but does not list any contributing driver errors explicitly. The collision occurred at 22:11. The pedestrian’s injury severity was rated level 3, indicating serious harm. The driver’s permit status and the pedestrian’s crossing behavior are documented, but no other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 70-year-old man alone in his Chevy lost control on Queens Boulevard. The sedan crashed forward, metal folding, his arm crushed. He stayed conscious, trapped in the wreckage, waiting for help in the night’s hush.

According to the police report, a 70-year-old man driving a 2011 Chevy sedan eastbound on Queens Boulevard near 64th Avenue fell ill behind the wheel. The report states the sedan 'slammed forward,' resulting in significant front-end damage and leaving the driver with crush injuries to his upper arm and shoulder. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle, but was pinned in the wreckage. The police report lists 'Illness' as the contributing factor in this crash. No other vehicles or road users were involved or injured. The incident underscores the dangers that can arise when a driver loses capacity while operating a vehicle, with the force of the crash causing serious harm to the lone occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck the rear of an SUV on the Long Island Expressway. Two female passengers suffered chest and neck injuries, including whiplash. Unsafe lane changing and driver distraction contributed to the crash, causing serious trauma inside the SUV.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided with the center back end of a 2009 Nissan SUV also traveling east. The crash occurred at 13:50. The SUV carried three occupants, including two female passengers aged 31 and 32, both conscious but injured with chest and neck trauma and complaints of whiplash. The report cites driver errors including "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The box truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. Both injured passengers were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected. The collision's impact was centered on the rear of the SUV, indicating the truck struck it from behind. These details highlight the dangers of distracted driving and unsafe lane maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped tore into a sedan’s side at 62 Drive and 97 Place. Glass shattered. A young rider’s face split open. Blood streaked steel. He stayed awake, clutching his wounds. Distraction behind the handlebars. The city’s metal edge did not yield.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of 62 Drive and 97 Place in Queens when a moped struck the side of a sedan, according to the police report. The 21-year-old moped rider suffered severe facial injuries and heavy bleeding after his face hit the sedan’s glass. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. Both vehicles were reportedly traveling straight before the impact, with the moped hitting the center front end and the sedan absorbing the blow on its right side doors. The report notes the moped rider wore no helmet, but this detail is mentioned only after the cited driver error. The crash left the rider conscious but bloodied, underscoring the relentless danger posed by distraction and inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two distracted drivers collided on Fitchett Street. A 3-year-old boy suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles’ front ends were smashed. The child was conscious, not ejected. Inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, two vehicles collided on Fitchett Street in Queens at 14:21. A Station Wagon/SUV traveling north struck the right front quarter panel of a parked Sedan, while a second Sedan traveled east. Both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' A 3-year-old male occupant, restrained with a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver distraction as the primary cause. No contributing factors were attributed to the injured child. The crash left both vehicles with heavy front-end damage, highlighting the force of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

A pick-up truck hit a 54-year-old woman as she stepped from behind a parked car on Saunders Street. Unsafe speed and driver distraction left her bruised and hurt.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Saunders Street at 17:52 after emerging from behind a parked vehicle. A northbound 2018 Toyota pick-up truck struck her with its right rear bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No pedestrian actions contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver errors as the cause of this injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715731 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens fights over a rail line. The mayor backs a park. Advocates demand transit. Poor residents lose out. Elected officials split. The city risks locking out thousands from jobs and care. The debate rages. No one asks the people.

This op-ed, published April 4, 2024, covers the battle over the unused Rockaway Beach Branch rail line in southeastern Queens. The city, led by Mayor Adams, pushes a park-only project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director, argues the plan blocks a vital north-south rail corridor, denying disadvantaged communities access to jobs, education, and healthcare. The op-ed states: 'It is simply irresponsible to build a park on a viable transit right-of-way in the biggest city in America.' State Senators James Sanders, Jr. and Joe Addabbo, Assembly Member Stacey Amato, and Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, JoAnn Ariola, and Bob Holden support studies and funding for the rails-and-trails QueensLink alternative. The mayor’s plan faces criticism for ignoring public input and environmental justice. No safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Op-Ed: Keeping Poor Residents in Transit Deserts is Getting Expensive, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-04

SUV hit a 64-year-old woman crossing 65 Road in Queens. Driver was distracted. Victim suffered knee and leg injuries. Impact came from the right front bumper. She was conscious, hurt, and left with abrasions.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old woman was struck by a northbound Lexus SUV while crossing 97-11 65 Road in Queens at 11:25 AM. The SUV hit her with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main cause. The pedestrian was not at a crosswalk or signal, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. She suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and going straight. The report highlights the driver's distraction as the cause, with no blame placed on the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714241 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi slowed to park on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan struck hard from behind. Metal tore through the quiet dawn. A young driver, belted, bled from the arm but stayed conscious. The green light hung above, indifferent.

According to the police report, a taxi was slowing to park eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when a sedan struck it forcefully. The report states, 'A taxi slowed to park. A sedan struck hard. Metal tore through dawn.' The 20-year-old driver of the sedan suffered severe bleeding from his arm but remained conscious. The crash occurred while the light above stayed green and the road was quiet. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The data does not list any victim behavior as a factor. The report makes clear that driver distraction led to the violent impact, resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04