South Richmond Hill: Four Dead, No More Excuses

May 30 - Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

May 22 - Council members fight congestion pricing for 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers ride transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Advocates say the plan funds transit, cuts traffic, and spares the vulnerable. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

The congestion pricing debate centers on a policy to toll drivers entering Manhattan’s core. The bill faces opposition from Council Members David Weprin, Joann Ariola, and Ari Kagan, who argue it will hurt small businesses and outer-borough residents. On May 22, 2023, Ari Kagan said, 'Congestion Pricing will hurt countless New Yorkers, small businesses, residents of so-called outer-boroughs & will create huge lines of parked cars right outside of Manhattan.' Yet, the MTA’s assessment shows only 5,200 city drivers commute by car from areas far from fast transit—just 1.2% of that population. Advocates like Felicia Park-Rogers counter, 'this policy has the potential to be utterly transformational for our city.' The plan includes exemptions for disabled and low-income drivers. Most New Yorkers stand to gain safer, better-funded transit and less congestion.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22

May 22 - Council Member Joann Ariola joined the fight over congestion pricing. The debate centers on just 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers use transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Data shows broad benefit. The city stands at a crossroads.

On May 22, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) was mentioned in a public debate over New York City's congestion pricing policy. The matter, titled 'Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers,' highlights that only 1.2% of residents far from fast transit drive into the congestion zone. Ariola, along with other council members, voiced concerns about impacts on small businesses and residents. The debate draws on MTA data showing most New Yorkers rely on public transit, not cars. Exemptions and discounts for disabled and low-income drivers are included in the policy. Advocates argue congestion pricing will reduce traffic, fund transit, and transform city streets for vulnerable road users. The council's discussion reflects a sharp divide between data and political narrative.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-05-22

May 16 - A 58-year-old woman was hit by a sedan backing up on 101 Avenue in Queens. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The driver’s unsafe backing caused the crash, striking the pedestrian outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 101 Avenue in Queens was backing up when it struck a 58-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor to the crash. The driver failed to safely back the vehicle, resulting in the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in other actions in the roadway at the time. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629581 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Apr 22 - A 31-year-old woman was hit by a sedan making a left turn on 101 Avenue. She was crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg bruises but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 101 Avenue made a left turn and struck a 31-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash, attributed to the driver. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624181 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Feb 28 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 4 - A 48-year-old man was hit by an SUV making a left turn on 101 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. He suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling north on 101 Avenue made a left turn and struck a 48-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage, and the pedestrian was conscious after the impact. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The driver’s failure to yield caused the collision, resulting in serious injury to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 9 - Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Dec 27 - A 36-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries in a Queens crash. His SUV struck the rear of a sedan while slowing. Police cited traffic control disregard. The driver was conscious and restrained, complaining of whiplash.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male driver in a 2018 SUV was injured when his vehicle rear-ended a sedan on 123 Street in Queens. The SUV was slowing or stopping when it impacted the center back end of the sedan, which was traveling westbound. The driver sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The collision also involved a parked 2019 sedan damaged on its left rear quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - A 64-year-old man was hit on Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The driver’s improper lane use worsened the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Lefferts Boulevard in Queens struck a 64-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and remained conscious after the impact. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The sedan was making a left turn when it hit the pedestrian with its center front end, damaging the right front bumper. No other safety equipment or pedestrian errors were noted. The crash highlights driver errors that led to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4583578 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 21 - Police arrested Ibrahim Chaaban in Bay Ridge after he did donuts on Shore Road. His car had racked up 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June. Council Member Brannan and DA Katz slammed weak penalties. Most reckless drivers still face little consequence. Streets remain dangerous.

On October 21, 2022, police in Bay Ridge arrested Ibrahim Chaaban for reckless driving after he performed donuts on Shore Road. The car had received at least 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June 21, but authorities failed to intervene until this incident. Council Member Justin Brannan reported the arrest, saying, "It seems the various systems currently in place to deter this type of behavior have failed here." Brannan and Queens DA Melinda Katz both criticized the current penalties, calling them too weak to deter dangerous drivers. Katz said, "There is a strong need for tougher penalties for those who choose to use our city streets as raceways." The article notes that only after 15 camera-issued speeding tickets in a year must drivers take a safety course, and few cars are seized under the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program. Community complaints led to the arrest, but most reckless drivers still evade real consequences.

• One Down, Thousands to Go: Cops Bust A Really Bad Driver For Doing Less-Dangerous Stupid Thing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-21

Sep 24 - A woman lay dying on 120th Street. Blood pooled on the asphalt. Her head struck. A man, broken back, survived. Two parked SUVs gashed and empty. No driver found. Sirens cut the silence. The street held only wreckage and loss.

A 31-year-old woman was killed and a 40-year-old man suffered a fractured back on 120th Street near 97th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the woman lay dying in the road with a severe head injury and bleeding, while the man was conscious but injured. Two parked SUVs were found with heavy damage to their left sides. No driver was present at the scene. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' There is no mention of helmet use or signaling as a factor. The crash left the street scarred and silent, with only the injured and the dead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4567693 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 16 - 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

Sep 11 - A 50-year-old woman was hit by an eastbound SUV near 95-39 110 Street in Queens. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. Police cited the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2006 Chevrolet SUV traveling east struck her outside an intersection on 95-39 110 Street in Queens. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor on the driver's part. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and not in the roadway at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563183 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 27 - A motorcycle rider suffered a head injury on 101 Avenue. Another vehicle passed too close and struck the motorcycle’s front. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was left with a concussion.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old motorcycle driver was injured on 101 Avenue when another vehicle, traveling west, passed too closely and struck the motorcycle’s center front. The rider, who was wearing a helmet, sustained a head injury and concussion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the primary contributing factor. The motorcycle was going straight ahead when the other vehicle, also westbound, passed dangerously close and caused the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19