Jamaica Hills Bleeds: Two Dead, Hundreds Hurt—When Will City Hall Wake Up?

Two sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. A 37-year-old woman at the wheel took the hit. Neck pain, whiplash, shock. Police blame following too closely. Metal bent. No one ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans collided in a rear-end crash on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. A 37-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling west and struck center front and back ends. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. No pedestrians were involved. The crash left the driver in shock and pain. No other injuries or details on other occupants were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566390 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A pick-up truck backing unsafely struck a 64-year-old bicyclist on 82 Avenue. The cyclist, wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The truck was entering a parked position at impact.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2019 Dodge pick-up truck backed unsafely into him on 82 Avenue. The truck was entering a parked position and struck the cyclist at the center back end. The bicyclist was traveling west, wearing a helmet, and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle westbound. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565506 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

A Nissan SUV struck the rear of another vehicle on Van Wyck Expressway. The front passenger, a 23-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV driver was speeding. The crash caused right front bumper damage to the SUV.

According to the police report, a 2012 Nissan SUV traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway rear-ended another vehicle. The SUV driver was cited for unsafe speed. The front passenger in the SUV, a 23-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the crash. The point of impact was the center back end of the struck vehicle and the right front bumper of the SUV. The driver held a learner's permit from New York. No other contributing factors were listed. The crash caused injury to the passenger but no ejection occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4560899 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

A 44-year-old woman driving an SUV rear-ended a sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The sedan's front passenger, a 9-year-old boy, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both occupants were conscious but injured. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female driver operating a 2022 Honda SUV struck the rear of a 2004 Chevrolet sedan traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV's point of impact was the center back end, colliding with the sedan's center front end. The sedan carried two occupants: a 9-year-old front passenger who sustained head injuries and whiplash, and the driver who suffered bruising to the knee and lower leg. Both occupants remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555457 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

State authorities greenlit Governor Hochul’s Penn Station overhaul. The plan promises new towers, apartments, and a $7 billion station revamp. Senator Leroy Comrie backed the initial funding deal but demands federal support for future phases. Critics warn of secrecy and developer giveaways.

On July 27, 2022, the state’s Public Authorities Control Board approved Governor Kathy Hochul’s Penn Station redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity,' includes 18 million square feet of new office towers, 1,800 apartments, a $7 billion station upgrade, and promises of walkable streets and bike lanes. State Senator Leroy Comrie, representing District 14, voted for the initial PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement but pledged not to support future deals without federal funding and approvals. The plan faces criticism from watchdogs and officials like State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office, who called for a delay due to limited financial details. Reinvent Albany slammed the process for lacking transparency and questioned the reliance on developer tax breaks. The redevelopment’s impact on vulnerable road users remains unassessed.

• State oversight body approves Hochul’s Penn Station redevelopment, amny.com, Published 2022-07-27

A 20-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and badly hurt on Grand Central Parkway. The bike was demolished. Police cite inexperience and distraction. The rider wore a helmet but suffered severe leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male motorcyclist traveling east on Grand Central Parkway was ejected from his motorcycle. The crash left the motorcycle demolished. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police listed driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The report notes the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547119 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 23-year-old e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after colliding with a sedan on Parsons Boulevard. Both vehicles traveled south. The sedan struck the e-bike’s left front quarter panel. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Parsons Boulevard in Queens involving a 2018 Honda sedan and a Fly-7 e-bike. The 23-year-old male e-bike driver sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles were traveling south, with the sedan impacting the e-bike’s left front quarter panel. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the e-bike driver. The sedan driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front quarter panel of the sedan and the left front quarter panel of the e-bike. No other injuries or factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542784 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

State Sen. Leroy Comrie drew a hard line. No exemptions for Manhattan’s congestion tolls. He stood firm as others called for carve-outs. His stance means every car pays. No relief for drivers. The city’s most vulnerable stay in the crosshairs.

On June 29, 2022, State Senator Leroy Comrie made a public statement on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, covered by nypost.com, centers on calls from Mayor Eric Adams for more exemptions to the Manhattan congestion tolls. Adams argued, 'there should be a level of exemptions... so that we’re not overburdening New Yorkers.' But Comrie rejected this, stating, 'I don’t think there should be any exemptions, and I’m going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' The congestion pricing plan, passed in 2019, already exempts emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying disabled New Yorkers, and low-income residents inside the zone. Comrie’s stance keeps the system strict. No new carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board may still consider more, but Comrie’s position is clear: every driver pays the toll, no exceptions.

• NYC Mayor Eric Adams calls for ‘exemptions’ to Manhattan congestion fees, nypost.com, Published 2022-06-29

Two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway. The trailing driver followed too closely and struck the lead vehicle’s rear. The driver of the striking SUV suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. Both drivers were women, conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling east on Grand Central Parkway collided when the trailing vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended the lead vehicle. The driver of the striking SUV, a 46-year-old woman, was injured with contusions to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. The lead vehicle was slowing or stopping, while the trailing vehicle was going straight ahead. Both drivers were licensed and female. The impact occurred at the center front end of the trailing vehicle and the center back end of the lead vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25