Blood on Atlantic: Woodhaven Streets Demand Action, Not Excuses

A southbound bus struck the right rear bumper of a box truck making a right turn on Woodhaven Blvd. The truck driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front and rear-end damage respectively.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:10 AM on Woodhaven Blvd in Queens. A 2013 Ford bus traveling south went straight ahead and impacted the center front end of a 2023 GMC box truck. The truck was making a right turn southwest when the collision occurred, striking its right rear bumper. The truck driver, a 38-year-old male occupant, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the truck driver but does not specify driver errors or victim behaviors. The bus had two occupants and sustained damage to its front center, while the truck's right rear bumper was damaged. The data highlights the dangers of vehicle interactions during turning maneuvers on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.

On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.

• Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame, nypost.com, Published 2025-02-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

A moped traveling south on 91 Ave struck another vehicle’s center back end. The unlicensed driver and a 15-year-old passenger suffered whiplash and injuries to face and lower leg. Both remained conscious but were seriously hurt in the collision.

According to the police report, a 2023 ZHEN moped, driven by a 19-year-old unlicensed male, was traveling south on 91 Ave when it collided with the center back end of another vehicle. The moped's left front bumper sustained damage. The driver, wearing a helmet, suffered whiplash and facial injuries, classified as injury severity 3. A 15-year-old female passenger seated on the left rear of the moped also sustained whiplash and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity 3. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors from the driver or victim, but the driver’s unlicensed status is a critical factor. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

MTA claims fewer cars and faster buses after congestion pricing. Councilwoman Joann Ariola calls the numbers fake. Critics say January is slow anyway. Some streets clear, others jammed. The toll divides the city. Vulnerable road users watch from the curb.

On January 13, 2025, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly challenged the MTA’s first-week report on New York City’s congestion pricing plan. The MTA claimed, 'There is less traffic and quicker streets,' citing a 16% drop in Midtown traffic and faster bus times. Ariola dismissed the data as 'fugazi.' The plan, imposed by the state, began January 5 with a $9 toll per car. Critics, including Ariola, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, questioned the numbers and economic impact. Susan Lee of New Yorkers Against Congestion Taxes noted, 'January is usually the slowest month,' and warned that some areas saw more congestion as drivers dodged tolls. The council’s debate highlights deep skepticism about the plan’s real effect on city streets and the daily safety of those outside cars.

• MTA touts success of first week of NYC congestion pricing plan — but do their numbers back up claims?, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-13

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

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

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

Five days. Five attacks. Blood on the subway rails. Cops, National Guard, Guardian Angels—none stopped the violence. Council members blast failed safety plans. Riders pay the price. City Hall promises change. Riders wait. Danger rides the rails.

On January 2, 2025, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (District 48) joined other city officials responding to a spike in subway violence. The event, covered by nypost.com, details five consecutive days of stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased NYPD, National Guard, and Guardian Angels patrols. The matter summary reads: 'NYC subways have experienced five consecutive days of violent attacks, including stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased patrols.' Council members Joann Ariola, Robert Holden, and Joe Borelli criticized current safety measures and leadership, calling for stronger action. Mayor Eric Adams backed more police and mental health interventions, while Governor Hochul's National Guard deployment drew fire. City Hall pledged to work with Albany on the Supportive Interventions Act. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NYC subways have seen attacks for 5 days in a row — despite cops, National Guard and even the Guardian Angels on patrol, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-02

A 64-year-old man was struck by a northbound sedan on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. The driver’s inattention caused the collision outside an intersection, leaving the victim bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 64-year-old male pedestrian who was not at an intersection but engaged in other actions in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice for emphasis. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which was going straight ahead. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash occurred at 5:45 p.m., highlighting the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill Intro 103 forces DOT to notify members for every parking change. Critics say it slows life-saving street redesigns. Advocates warn it props up car culture and blocks safer bike lanes. The bill risks more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings.

Intro 103, now before the City Council, would require the Department of Transportation to notify Council members every time a single parking spot is repurposed—for car-share, bike corrals, or Citi Bike docks. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, claims residents need notice before losing parking. But DOT and street safety advocates slam the measure as a bureaucratic drag on urgent safety fixes. Council Member Lincoln Restler calls it 'additional hoops and hurdles' for street safety. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso says, 'I don’t know why we entertain any effort to stop or slow-roll safe street design.' Open Plans and StreetsPAC argue the bill props up car dominance and blocks safer, more sustainable streets. The bill could make it harder to move bike infrastructure off sidewalks, risking more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings for pedestrians. Similar bills (Intro 606, Intro 104) face the same criticism.

• Council Members Want To Be Notified When City Repurposes ‘Their’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18

A female driver struck multiple parked vehicles on 75th Street in Queens. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the primary cause. The driver was conscious and restrained at the time of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 75th Street in Queens at 16:57. A female driver operating a 2015 Toyota SUV traveling south struck several parked vehicles, impacting the right front bumper of her vehicle. The collision involved multiple stationary vehicles, including SUVs and a sedan, with damage to their left rear bumpers and side doors. The driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly attributes the crash to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' identifying this as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was licensed in New York at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 39-year-old male driver suffered severe injuries after a solo crash on Park Ln S in Queens. The SUV struck head-on, causing fractures and dislocations. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the accident.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:14 on Park Ln S, Queens, involving a 2022 SUV traveling north. The driver, a 39-year-old male occupant, was injured with fractures and dislocations affecting his entire body. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained center front end damage upon impact. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected but was found semiconscious. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The police report explicitly attributes the crash to the driver's failure to maintain attention and lack of experience, highlighting systemic dangers posed by distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

SUV cut across Jamaica Avenue, struck a motorcycle. Rider took the hit—concussion, leg injuries. Police cite improper turn, tailgating by SUV. Rider wore helmet. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, an SUV made an improper U-turn on Jamaica Avenue and collided with a westbound motorcycle at 16:20. The SUV driver was cited for "Turning Improperly" and "Following Too Closely." The 25-year-old motorcycle rider, wearing a helmet but unlicensed, suffered a concussion and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The motorcycle's point of impact was listed as "Other," and both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The motorcyclist was conscious and not ejected. The report highlights driver errors by the SUV operator as the primary cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767893 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-bike traveling straight struck a pedestrian outside an intersection in Queens. The pedestrian suffered head abrasions and was conscious after the crash. Police cited aggressive driving and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling straight ahead collided with a pedestrian who was not in the roadway but near 89-32 98 Street in Queens. The pedestrian, a male, sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies aggressive driving and unsafe speed by the e-bike operator as key contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike, which also sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian was injured but not ejected, with no mention of pedestrian fault or contributing behaviors. The crash occurred around noon, highlighting the dangers posed by aggressive e-bike operation in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04