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

May 24 - A 20-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a collision on Pinegrove Street. The crash involved a distracted driver, causing impact to the sedan's left rear quarter panel. The victim was restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Pinegrove Street in Queens at 10:30 PM. The injured party was a 20-year-old female sedan driver who was wearing a lap belt and sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, cited twice for the occupant driver. The sedan was impacted on the left rear quarter panel, sustaining damage to the left rear bumper. The collision involved multiple vehicles, including a pick-up truck traveling north and other parked vehicles. The victim was not ejected and experienced shock. The report highlights driver distraction as the cause, with no contributing factors related to the victim's behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - An e-scooter driver traveling east on Lakewood Avenue suffered a severe leg injury after losing control. The rider was partially ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations. Police cited unsafe speed as the primary contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured at 10:15 p.m. on Lakewood Avenue in Queens. The rider was partially ejected from the vehicle and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor leading to the crash. The e-scooter was traveling straight ahead eastbound at the time of the incident. There was no damage to the vehicle or other vehicles involved, and no other occupants were present. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The injury severity was classified as serious, highlighting the dangers posed by excessive speed on micromobility devices.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - A sedan merging east struck a tractor truck going straight. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles damaged at the front. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 6:30 p.m. A sedan merging east collided with a tractor truck traveling straight in the same direction. The sedan's left front bumper hit the truck's right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed. The report notes the sedan's pre-crash action as merging, indicating improper merging or failure to yield as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were listed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726870 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - A licensed female driver in a 2010 Honda sedan traveling east struck the left side doors of an unspecified vehicle on 168 Street in Queens. The driver suffered contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, experiencing shock at the scene.

According to the police report, at 16:40 on 168 Street in Queens, a 33-year-old licensed female driver operating a 2010 Honda sedan was involved in a collision impacting the left side doors of another unspecified vehicle. The sedan was traveling east, going straight ahead, when the collision occurred. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. She sustained injuries including contusions and trauma to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted. The focus remains on the collision impact and resulting injuries to the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Apr 26 - A bicyclist riding north on 105 Avenue was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the SUV’s left front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered a concussion and back injury, remaining conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, at 9:02 AM on 105 Avenue in Queens, an SUV traveling west made a left turn and collided with a bicyclist traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, was injured with a concussion and back injury but was conscious and not ejected from the bike. The bike sustained damage to its front end. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report. The SUV showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. This crash highlights the dangers posed by improper lane usage and turning maneuvers by motor vehicles near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720543 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 20 - Two sport utility vehicles collided at speed on Inwood Street. Both drivers were conscious but suffered injuries. The impact struck the front bumpers, causing back injuries and whiplash. Driver errors remain unspecified, leaving systemic risks unaddressed.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided on Inwood Street at 2:00 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead—one northbound, the other eastbound—when the left front bumper of the 2015 Mercedes SUV struck the right front bumper of the 2009 GMC SUV. The male driver of the Mercedes, age 39, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for the injured driver and provides no clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The lack of identified driver errors highlights potential systemic dangers in this intersection or road segment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719058 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 4 - Queens fights over a rail line. The mayor backs a park. Advocates demand transit. Poor residents lose out. Elected officials split. The city risks locking out thousands from jobs and care. The debate rages. No one asks the people.

This op-ed, published April 4, 2024, covers the battle over the unused Rockaway Beach Branch rail line in southeastern Queens. The city, led by Mayor Adams, pushes a park-only project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director, argues the plan blocks a vital north-south rail corridor, denying disadvantaged communities access to jobs, education, and healthcare. The op-ed states: 'It is simply irresponsible to build a park on a viable transit right-of-way in the biggest city in America.' State Senators James Sanders, Jr. and Joe Addabbo, Assembly Member Stacey Amato, and Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, JoAnn Ariola, and Bob Holden support studies and funding for the rails-and-trails QueensLink alternative. The mayor’s plan faces criticism for ignoring public input and environmental justice. No safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Op-Ed: Keeping Poor Residents in Transit Deserts is Getting Expensive, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-04

Mar 31 - An SUV driver distracted by inattention struck a 28-year-old male e-bike rider on Sutphin Boulevard in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV sustained front-end damage; the e-bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Sutphin Boulevard in Queens. The collision involved a 2013 Dodge SUV traveling north and an e-bike traveling west. The SUV driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' a primary contributing factor to the crash. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old male, sustained a head injury described as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report notes no helmet use but does not list it as a contributing factor. The SUV's center front end was damaged, while the e-bike showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely absorbed by the rider. The cyclist was not ejected from the bike. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Queens, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713836 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 26 - A distracted motorcycle driver crashed on Merrick Boulevard. The rear passenger, a young woman, suffered fractured and dislocated leg bones. The crash left the bike's front end smashed. Distraction was the cause.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on Merrick Boulevard in Queens crashed at 10:30 PM due to driver inattention and distraction. The motorcycle's left front bumper took the impact and was damaged. The passenger, a 20-year-old woman seated in the rear, was injured with fractures, dislocations, and distortions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or passenger actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - A cyclist riding north on Brewer Boulevard was struck on his right side by a westbound vehicle. The 30-year-old man suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Driver inattention was cited as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Brewer Boulevard near 109 Avenue in Queens at 3:45 p.m. A 30-year-old male bicyclist traveling north was hit on his right side by a westbound 1999 Toyota SUV. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating the vehicle driver failed to maintain proper awareness. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious but sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The vehicle's center front end and the bike's right side doors were damaged. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factor was assigned to his behavior. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 15 - A $117 million federal grant pushes the QueensWay park forward on an old rail line. Rail advocates warn this blocks future transit. City Hall claims both park and rail can coexist. For now, the city’s money backs the park, not the train.

On March 15, 2024, a $117 million federal grant was awarded for the QueensWay, a 3.5-mile park on an abandoned Long Island Rail Road spur in Queens. This follows Mayor Adams’s earlier $35 million commitment. The matter centers on whether to build a park or restore rail service—"Its purpose is to derail the train," said Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director. City Hall, represented by spokesperson Charles Lutvak, insists, "The proposed Met Hub does not preclude an MTA project if [MTA officials] determine one is feasible." Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi echoed, "Those two don't directly conflict." State Sen. James Sanders Jr. continues to push for QueensLink funding. The city’s investments so far favor the park, leaving the rail proposal in limbo. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• New Fed Grant for Queens Park Project Pushes Rail Proposal to the Brink, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-15

Mar 14 - Two sedans collided on 171 Street, striking an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old passenger. Both children suffered abdomen and pelvis injuries, were restrained by lap belts, and experienced shock. Driver inattention was cited as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:45 on 171 Street involving two sedans traveling west. One sedan was going straight ahead with a male driver, while the other was parked with a female driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the moving sedan and the center back end of the parked sedan. Two child passengers, ages 8 and 5, were injured with abdomen and pelvis trauma and were not ejected, restrained by lap belts. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors related to the victims were noted. The injuries and shock experienced by the children highlight the severe consequences of driver distraction in urban crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19