Cambria Heights Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes demand-based parking in crowded boroughs. DOT must set rates, tweak with notice. Exempt vehicles dodge new fees. Streets may shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, Farías, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates rising or falling by real-time demand. DOT must set the range before launch and give a week’s notice for changes. Vehicles with special permits stay exempt. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill would pay up to $1,000 for tips that help catch hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill. Police and city workers are barred from rewards. The measure targets unsolved crashes that leave victims behind.

Int 0143-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill states: 'establishing a reward for individuals who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person who seriously injures or kills another individual in a hit-and-run accident.' Council Member Rita C. Joseph leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Vernikov, Louis, Bottcher, Hudson, Gennaro, and Williams. The bill excludes law enforcement and city employees from eligibility. The aim is to mobilize the public to help solve hit-and-run cases, many of which remain unsolved, and bring justice for victims.

• File Int 0143-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets repair shops and rentals clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines hit hard. Streets clear for people, not profit. Committee weighs next move.

Bill Int 0227-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto shops, rental businesses, and gas stations using public streets for business parking. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Vickie Paladino, Erik D. Bottcher, and Robert F. Holden back the bill. Violators face $250–$400 daily fines and possible impoundment. The law aims to reclaim curb space for the public, not private fleets. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 2024-02-13

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

Two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway. Both drivers suffered head injuries and whiplash. Impact crushed bumpers. No pedestrians involved. Both drivers stayed conscious. Danger rides with every impact.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling southbound on Cross Island Parkway collided. The 2024 Dodge sedan from Georgia was hit on its left rear bumper. The 2016 Volkswagen sedan from New York struck with its left front bumper. Both drivers, a 31-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for both drivers. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the risk of vehicle collisions on this stretch of roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

MTA plans $30 million for Queens bus overhaul. Eight new routes. More frequent service for thousands. Stops spaced farther apart. Most riders keep their stops. Councilmember Brooks-Powers doubts gains for her district. Borough President Richards backs the plan. Rollout not before 2025.

The MTA’s Queens Bus Network Redesign, announced December 12, 2023, proposes $30 million in service upgrades and expands local routes from 83 to 91. The plan, under review since 2020, aims to boost 10-minute-or-better service for 200,000 more residents, raising coverage from 60.1% to 68.9%. The official summary states the redesign will 'streamline and speed up service.' Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers voiced 'serious concerns' about disadvantages for her district, especially with congestion pricing. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, once critical, now supports the draft after public outreach. State Senator Leroy Comrie noted Brooks-Powers wants clarity for her community, not outright rejection. The redesign awaits further input and is expected no sooner than 2025. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• MTA’s Queens Bus Redesign: $30M in Service, 8 More Routes, Skepticism from Brooks-Powers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-12

A 44-year-old woman driving a sedan made a left turn on 115 Avenue. She collided front-center with an unspecified object. She suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The crash happened just before 1 a.m. Unsafe speed was a factor.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female driver was making a left turn on 115 Avenue when her 2021 Hyundai sedan struck an unspecified object. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The driver was injured, sustaining chest trauma and whiplash, but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash occurred shortly before 1 a.m. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on 225 Street in Queens at 3:41 a.m. One driver, a 19-year-old male, suffered a neck injury. The impact hit the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 225 Street in Queens. One driver, a 19-year-old male occupant, was injured with a neck injury and remained conscious. The crash occurred when one SUV was making a left turn and was struck on the right side doors by the other SUV traveling straight westbound. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center end of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 20-year-old male driver crashed on Cross Island Parkway. His SUV was demolished after merging at unsafe speed. He suffered abrasions and full-body injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male driver operating a 2015 Honda SUV crashed while merging on Cross Island Parkway. The vehicle was demolished on impact. The driver was injured with abrasions and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans crashed late at night on Cross Island Parkway. Both vehicles struck front quarters. Two passengers suffered whiplash and back injuries. Drivers disregarded traffic control. Injured passengers wore seat belts and remained conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway at 11:30 p.m. The impact occurred at the right front quarter panel of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Two passengers, a 41-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, were injured with whiplash and back pain. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver errors as "Other Vehicular" and "Traffic Control Disregarded," indicating failure to obey traffic signals or rules. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused significant damage to the front quarters of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 78-year-old man driving an SUV in Queens lost consciousness and suffered injuries. The vehicle struck an unspecified object or vehicle head-on. Police cite illness as a contributing factor. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male driver in a 2007 Toyota SUV traveling north on Springfield Boulevard in Queens became unconscious and injured during a crash at 18:36. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists illness as a contributing factor but does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The crash details remain limited, with no mention of other contributing factors or victim actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Convertible hit parked trailer on 115 Avenue. Unlicensed driver and passenger, both 22, suffered fractures and dislocations. Unsafe speed and aggressive driving cited. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford convertible driven by an unlicensed 22-year-old man crashed into a parked trailer on 115 Avenue in Queens. The crash happened at 2:56 p.m. Both the driver and his 22-year-old front passenger were injured, suffering fractures and dislocations to the back and lower leg. The report lists unsafe speed and aggressive driving as contributing factors. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The convertible sustained front-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on 116 Avenue in Queens. A 79-year-old woman driving one car suffered a bruised arm. Both vehicles hit front quarter panels. No ejections. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on 116 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were going straight when the collision happened. The 79-year-old female driver was injured, suffering a contusion to her elbow and lower arm. She was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The vehicles sustained damage to their front quarter panels. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and conscious at the scene. No further injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670726 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An 18-year-old male pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being hit by a northbound SUV on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious with bruises. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2004 Toyota SUV traveling north on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the pedestrian's actions as "Other Actions in Roadway" with unspecified contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the point of impact was the center front end. No driver errors were explicitly noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04