Blood on the Crosswalk: South Jamaica Pays for City Hall’s Inaction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 22-year-old male e-bike driver was injured in a rear-end collision on Liberty Avenue. The impact struck the center back end of the e-bike. The rider suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male operating an e-bike was injured in a crash on Liberty Avenue. The collision impacted the center back end of the e-bike, causing contusions and injuries to the rider's elbow and lower arm. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the crash. The rider's safety equipment status is unknown. This incident highlights the dangers faced by e-bike riders in traffic collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 62-year-old woman was struck while crossing Merrick Boulevard at an intersection. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her entire body. The impact came from the center front end of an unspecified vehicle. She remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Merrick Boulevard at an intersection with the signal. She suffered fractures and dislocations affecting her entire body. The collision involved an unspecified vehicle that struck her at the center front end. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not specify vehicle type, driver details, or any violations. There is no mention of helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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

A bus struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV merging southbound on Merrick Boulevard in Queens. A 52-year-old male passenger in the SUV suffered a head abrasion. Driver distraction was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a southbound bus collided with the right rear quarter panel of a southbound SUV merging on Merrick Boulevard in Queens. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the bus and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. A 52-year-old male occupant in the SUV, seated in the rear and wearing a lap belt, sustained a head abrasion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was merging when the bus struck the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

MTA will extend $5 City Ticket fares to Far Rockaway LIRR riders this summer. Elected officials say the move closes a transit gap. Riders in Rockaway face long commutes. The pilot brings cheaper, faster access. Some ticket purchase restrictions remain.

On May 5, 2023, the MTA announced it will expand the $5 City Ticket fare to Far Rockaway LIRR riders. This policy, supported by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator James Sanders, Jr., Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, and City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, addresses a long-standing exclusion in the city's transit network. The City Ticket allows travel within city limits on LIRR or Metro-North for $5 during off-peak and weekend hours. Richards called the move a win for 'transit equity.' Anderson highlighted that Rockaway has the city's longest commutes, and this change will help. Brooks-Powers urged further expansion and easier transfers. The pilot, part of upcoming fare changes, still restricts where tickets can be bought, a flaw officials promise to address. No formal safety analysis was provided.

• MTA Will Extend $5 City Ticket To Far Rockaway LIRR Riders This Summer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-05

A taxi struck the rear of a sedan on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan driver suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash involved close following and delayed reaction to traffic. Both vehicles traveled northbound at impact.

According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended a sedan on the Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan driver, a 42-year-old man, sustained a head injury described as a contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the contributing factors as "Following Too Closely" and "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle." The sedan was slowing or stopping when the taxi, traveling in the same direction, struck its center rear end with the taxi's left rear bumper. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The crash caused center front-end damage to the sedan and rear bumper damage to the taxi. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An e-scooter changing lanes struck a sedan going straight. The 66-year-old e-scooter driver suffered a facial contusion. The sedan’s front center was damaged. The crash happened near 167 Street in Council District 27. The rider remained conscious.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 110 Avenue involving an e-scooter and a sedan. The e-scooter driver, a 66-year-old man, was injured with a facial contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating the e-scooter was changing lanes improperly. The sedan was traveling straight east and was struck on its front center. The e-scooter also sustained front center damage. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes by vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A Ford SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked SUV on 108 Avenue in Queens. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 30-year-old man, suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford SUV traveling west collided with the left rear bumper of a parked 2010 Ford SUV on 108 Avenue in Queens. The driver of the moving SUV, a 30-year-old male occupant, sustained a fractured and dislocated lower arm and hand injury. He was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists no specific driver errors but notes 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor. The parked vehicle had no occupants. The impact occurred at the center front end of the moving vehicle and the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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

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

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