Murray Hill’s kill zone: Northern Boulevard and the bodies we count

Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.

Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.

• File Int 1195-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Feb 4 - Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Feb 2 - Trump’s push to kill congestion pricing would gut MTA funding. John Liu calls it basic maintenance, not luxury. The plan’s billion-dollar revenue keeps subways running and streets safer. Without it, transit crumbles. Riders and vulnerable road users pay the price.

On February 2, 2025, NYC officials responded to reports of a federal move to repeal congestion pricing, just weeks after its January 5 launch. At a press conference, Council Member John Liu warned, “This is not for fancy stuff. This is basic transit maintenance.” Liu said losing congestion pricing would erase a billion dollars in annual MTA revenue, threatening $15 billion in planned upgrades. The money funds new subway cars, buses, station repairs, and safety improvements. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Liu, stressing millions rely on transit daily. Both officials opposed the repeal, highlighting the risk to the city’s transit backbone. The bill is not numbered, but the threat is clear: without congestion pricing, the city’s streets and subways grow more dangerous for everyone outside a car.

• Trump repeal of congestion pricing would devastate NYC transit, city pols warn, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

Jan 31 - A 19-year-old woman was injured crossing Northern Blvd at an intersection in Queens. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way while making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and full-body injury but remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Northern Blvd at an intersection in Queens at 10:35 PM when she was struck by a 2013 Ford SUV. The vehicle was traveling west and making a left turn when the collision occurred at the right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal, eliminating her actions as a contributing factor. She sustained abrasions and injuries to her entire body but remained conscious after the crash. The SUV showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but his failure to yield created a hazardous situation resulting in serious injury to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789636 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Jan 31 - A 75-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after an SUV hit her at a Queens intersection. The vehicle’s left front bumper made impact while traveling east. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal. Injuries were serious but non-life-threatening.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 157 Street and 33 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal when a 2021 Subaru SUV traveling east struck her with its left front bumper. The report lists the pedestrian’s injury as a head contusion with an injury severity of 3. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited, but the pedestrian’s crossing without a signal is noted as a contributing factor. The collision caused damage to the SUV’s left front bumper. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789633 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Jan 31 - A motorcycle slammed into a backing SUV on 154 St. The unlicensed rider and distracted SUV driver collided hard. The SUV driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Inattention and inexperience fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east struck a station wagon/SUV that was backing up on 154 St in Queens at 13:40. The unlicensed male motorcyclist hit the SUV's right front bumper. The SUV driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered chest trauma and whiplash. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and following too closely as errors for the SUV driver. The motorcycle operator's unlicensed status and inattention also contributed. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. The crash highlights driver inexperience and distraction as key factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 17 - A sedan traveling west on Roosevelt Avenue hit an 80-year-old woman crossing 149th Street against the signal. The impact caused severe injuries to her lower leg and knee. She was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by a licensed male driver was traveling westbound on Roosevelt Avenue when it struck an 80-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 149th Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of the collision. The vehicle impacted the center front end of the sedan, causing damage there. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a severity level 3 injury. She was reported to be in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor but does not specify any driver error or other contributing factors. The focus remains on the collision dynamics and the pedestrian's vulnerable position at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787207 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Jan 14 - Opponents of congestion pricing use subway crime to stir fear and block change. Data shows streets are deadlier than trains. Riders keep riding. Politicians and advocates clash. The real danger: distraction from fixing transit and protecting people on foot and bike.

""They laugh at your concerns because they don't care. Nothing changes because they don't care. And now this moron is going to get billions more dollars on the backs of working people to pad his completely dysfunctional and unaccountable agency -- and openly celebrate it."" -- Vickie Paladino

On January 14, 2025, a public debate erupted over congestion pricing and subway safety in New York City. The matter, titled "Masters of Deflection: Congestion Pricing Foes Stoke Fear of Subway Crime," highlights how some council members and political groups use concerns about subway crime to oppose congestion pricing. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino voiced strong opposition, while advocates like Sara Lind and Ben Furnas countered that such arguments ignore real solutions and endanger transit funding. The article notes, 'Data shows the subway is statistically safer than city streets for both pedestrians and drivers.' Despite visible homelessness and high-profile crimes, most riders continue to use the subway. The debate exposes how fear is weaponized to block policies that could reduce traffic violence and improve safety for vulnerable road users. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Masters of Deflection: Congestion Pricing Foes Stoke Fear of Subway Crime, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-14

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08