No Deaths Yet—But Laurelton Bleeds Every Day

Council Transportation Chair Brooks-Powers wants the Beach 20th Street protected bike lane gone. She blames illegal parking, not enforcement. Cyclists lose space. The city risks more danger. DOT says it will look at hardening the lane and boosting enforcement.

On March 24, 2025, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called for the removal of the protected bike lane on Beach 20th Street in Arverne, Queens. At a community meeting, Brooks-Powers said, "We’ve been trying to get [the bike lane] removed for three years. It wasn’t supported by the community. ... In effect it’s not a bike lane quite honestly; no one uses it, they [drivers] park there. We would like to see the hard infrastructure removed." Instead of demanding enforcement against illegal parking, she wants the lane ripped out, returning the street to a more dangerous state for cyclists and pedestrians. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez replied that building safe bike lanes requires support from local leaders. DOT spokesperson Will Livingston said the agency remains committed to safety and will explore hardening the lane and increasing enforcement.

• Council Transportation Chair Asks DOT To Rip Up a Bike Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-24

A 65-year-old woman crashed her SUV into a parked SUV on 130 Avenue. She suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The crash happened mid-morning in Queens. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old woman driving a 2021 Toyota SUV struck the rear of a stationary 2016 Toyota SUV near 225-21 130 Avenue at 10:45 a.m. The moving SUV hit the parked vehicle's center back end. The driver suffered neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious, wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. Both vehicles were registered in New York and driven by licensed female drivers. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Open Streets are shrinking. Volunteers warn more cuts loom unless City Hall steps up. Federal relief is gone. Groups want $48 million over three years. Current grants barely keep programs alive. The city’s inaction puts public space and safety at risk.

On March 14, 2025, a coalition of 16 volunteer open street groups sent a letter to City Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers. They warned, 'The limited funding and decreases in funding that have occurred over the years jeopardize the continuity and future of the program—funding pressure is already leading to downsizing and the disappearance of Open Streets programs.' The groups seek $48 million over three years, separate from the city’s $30 million contract with the Horticultural Society. Current grants max out at $20,000 per year, forcing cutbacks. Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams are starting budget talks. Council spokesperson Julia Agos called Open Streets 'critical components of our city's public realm.' The Department of Transportation said suggestions will be reviewed. Volunteer groups handle most operations, but stalled redesigns and lack of resources threaten the program’s survival.

• Open Streets Won’t Survive Without More Money From the City, Organizers Warn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-14

Two sedans collided on Springfield Boulevard at 7:45 AM. A three-year-old passenger in one vehicle was injured and left in shock. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:45 AM on Springfield Boulevard involving two sedans traveling in opposite directions. One sedan was going straight north while the other was making a left turn southbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the northbound vehicle and the right side doors of the southbound vehicle. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error. A three-year-old female occupant in the sedan making the left turn was injured and experienced shock, restrained by a child safety seat in the middle rear seat. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper and right side doors of the respective vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796060 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

Senator Comrie backs a yellow alert system. Police would blast car details after deadly hit-and-runs. The goal: catch drivers who kill and flee. The bill stands at sponsorship. No safety review yet.

Senate Bill S 4946, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, aims to create a 'yellow alert system' for law enforcement to publicize vehicle information after fatal hit-and-run crashes. The bill is at the sponsorship stage as of February 14, 2025. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a "yellow alert system" for law enforcement to publicize vehicle information in instances of hit-and-run accidents in which a person has been killed.' No committee action or vote has occurred. No safety analyst has reviewed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 4946, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

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

After congestion pricing began, yellow cab trips jumped 10%. Council Member Brooks-Powers led the hearing. Taxi leaders worry about fare hikes. For-hire rides dipped 1%. Officials say it’s early. The city’s streets shift. Vulnerable road users brace for change.

On February 10, 2025, the City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), held an oversight hearing on congestion pricing and its impact on the taxi industry. The matter, titled 'NYC yellow cab trips up 10% after launch of congestion pricing: taxi commission,' revealed that yellow cab trips rose by 10% during the first week after congestion pricing began. Brooks-Powers noted that new tolls will likely be passed to riders as higher fares. Commissioner David Do of the Taxi and Limousine Commission testified that for-hire vehicle trips dropped 1%. The data is preliminary, covering only the first month of the program. No safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NYC yellow cab trips up 10% after launch of congestion pricing: taxi commission, amny.com, Published 2025-02-10

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

Two SUVs crashed at Carson Street. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way. A 44-year-old female driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Impact struck left front bumper and left rear quarter panel. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided at Carson Street around 3:50 p.m. Both drivers were cited for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way, a critical contributing factor in the crash. The female driver, age 44, was injured with contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The collision involved impact to the left front bumper of one vehicle and the left rear quarter panel of the other, causing center front end and left rear quarter panel damage respectively. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Chair Brooks-Powers blasted DOT for missing bike and bus lane targets. She pushed a bill to force public tracking. DOT made excuses. The city fell short for the third year. Vulnerable road users wait. The council wants answers, not promises.

""DOT gives us their word every hearing and we are not getting results,"" -- Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

On January 22, 2025, Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers confronted the Department of Transportation at a public hearing. She cited DOT's repeated failure to meet the 2019 Streets Master Plan benchmarks—50 miles of protected bike lanes and 30 miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles of bus lanes and 25.7 miles of bike lanes. Brooks-Powers introduced Intro 1105, a bill requiring DOT to publish a tracker of its progress. She declared, "DOT gives us their word every hearing and we are not getting results." DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione objected, claiming the tracker would add paperwork and reduce community engagement. Brooks-Powers countered, "DOT needs to be more transparent about its project pipeline so we can identify bottlenecks." The committee signaled intent to advance the bill. The city’s failure leaves pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders exposed.

• Council Transportation Chair Tells DOT That She’s Sick of the Streets Plan Excuses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-22

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