No More Waiting for Blood: Make Oakland Gardens Streets Safe Now

Jan 17 - Lower East Side residents and Councilman Holden sued to block the $15 congestion toll. They claim it will push traffic to the FDR, worsen air, and hurt businesses. The MTA defends the plan, citing traffic relief and transit funding.

On January 17, 2024, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined a lawsuit challenging the MTA’s $15 congestion pricing policy. The legal action, filed by Lower East Side residents, business owners, and elected officials, claims the toll will create a traffic nightmare and worsen pollution by diverting cars to the FDR Drive. The suit argues the MTA and federal government failed to conduct an adequate environmental review and did not consider impacts on local businesses or vulnerable residents. The matter summary reads: 'Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare.' Holden’s involvement signals council opposition. The MTA maintains the program, approved in 2019, will cut congestion and fund transit upgrades. No independent safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare, nypost.com, Published 2024-01-17

Dec 13 - SUV struck sedan’s rear on 218 Street. Woman, 64, suffered internal injuries. Police cite unsafe speed, ignored traffic control. Crash left her conscious, restrained. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on 218 Street hit the left rear quarter panel of a Jeep sedan heading east. The sedan’s 64-year-old female driver suffered internal injuries to her entire body but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed and disregarding traffic control as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s actions led to the crash. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 15 - A 17-year-old e-bike rider was partially ejected and fractured his hip and upper leg after a 2014 SUV made a left turn on Bell Boulevard in Queens. The SUV struck the bike head-on. The rider was conscious and wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a 2014 Honda SUV was making a left turn on Bell Boulevard in Queens when it collided head-on with an eastbound e-bike ridden by a 17-year-old male. The e-bike rider was partially ejected and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated hip and upper leg injury. The rider was conscious at the scene and wearing a helmet. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator during the turn. The collision caused center front-end damage to the SUV and left front bumper damage to the e-bike. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 25 - A box truck slammed into the rear left bumper of a slowing sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Four sedan occupants suffered neck and back injuries. The truck driver followed too closely, causing the crash. All victims were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a sedan that was slowing or stopping. The point of impact was the sedan's left rear bumper. Four occupants in the sedan, including the driver and three passengers, sustained injuries such as whiplash and back pain. All were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The truck driver was identified as the primary cause, with 'Following Too Closely' listed as a contributing factor. No ejections occurred. The sedan driver and passengers suffered neck and back injuries but were not at fault. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 25 - A sedan struck the rear of a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway. Both sedan occupants suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash happened at 6:18 a.m. Both driver and passenger complained of pain and nausea. The sedan’s rear end was damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan collided with the rear of a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan was traveling eastbound and struck the truck’s left front bumper with its center back end. Both occupants of the sedan, a 37-year-old male driver and a 42-year-old female front passenger, were injured with neck pain and shock. Both were wearing lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor for both occupants, indicating driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck’s left front bumper was damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 29 - A motorscooter passenger was ejected and injured on 64 Avenue in Queens. The 22-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries. The vehicle showed no damage. Police list unspecified contributing factors. The passenger remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling north on 64 Avenue in Queens had two occupants. The right rear passenger, a 22-year-old woman, was ejected during the crash and sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report notes no damage to the vehicle and lists contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were recorded. The passenger's safety equipment status is unknown. The passenger was conscious after the incident. The crash details do not indicate any other vehicles involved or specific driver mistakes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666443 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 2 - Two sedans collided on the Long Island Expressway at 11:30 p.m. One driver suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and speeding. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and rear quarters.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided around 11:30 p.m. The driver of one sedan was injured, suffering a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The report lists unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed as contributing factors. One vehicle was changing lanes when it struck the other, which was traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the lane-changing vehicle and the left rear quarter panel of the other. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious. No other occupants were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 17 - A sedan crashed head-on on 75 Avenue in Queens. The woman driving suffered facial wounds and bleeding. Passenger distraction listed as cause. No others hurt. Metal and flesh bore the brunt.

According to the police report, a 2011 sedan traveling east on 75 Avenue in Queens struck an object head-on. The 40-year-old female driver was injured, suffering facial wounds and minor bleeding. Passenger distraction is listed as the contributing factor, with the driver losing consciousness before impact. The report notes the driver was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The vehicle sustained center front-end damage. The crash underscores the risk when attention inside the car fails.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 15 - A motorcycle struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV making a left turn on West Alley Road. The 26-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male motorcyclist was injured when his motorcycle collided with the right rear quarter panel of a station wagon/SUV making a left turn on West Alley Road in Queens. The motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver did not yield to the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4638100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

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 - 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 24 - Two SUVs collided on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. A 42-year-old woman driving southbound was injured with neck whiplash. The crash involved a left-turning SUV and a straight-moving SUV. Failure to yield and limited view contributed to the impact.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Springfield Boulevard near Union Turnpike in Queens. The driver of the southbound SUV, a 42-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious after the crash. The other vehicle, traveling northwest, was making a left turn at the time of impact. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision caused damage to the right front quarter panel of the left-turning SUV and the left front bumper of the straight-moving SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 5 - A 46-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries after a sedan struck her at a Queens intersection. The driver was making a left turn and failed to yield. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The impact fractured her knee and foot.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Union Turnpike made a left turn and struck a 46-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in serious injury. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Toyota sedan. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following traffic signals when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

Mar 21 - 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 2023-03-21