Rockaway Bleeds While City Sleeps

Councilman Robert Holden slammed congestion pricing in a New York Post editorial. He called the plan a disaster for outer-borough residents. Holden argued it would barely cut Manhattan traffic, worsen Bronx air, and punish working families. The editorial dismissed equity concerns.

On November 8, 2022, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) was mentioned in a New York Post editorial opposing congestion pricing. The editorial, titled 'Hey, Donovan Richards: It’s actually way more racist to FAVOR congestion pricing,' criticized Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for labeling Holden’s opposition as racist. The piece argued, 'congestion pricing would be a disaster,' claiming it would harm diverse outer-borough residents and worsen air quality in The Bronx by diverting diesel trucks. The editorial cited MTA studies predicting only a 3.1% reduction in Manhattan traffic and framed the plan as an unfair tax on commerce. Holden’s stance reflects ongoing resistance to congestion pricing in the council, with equity and environmental impacts at the center of the debate. No formal council vote or bill was referenced in this editorial.

• Hey, Donovan Richards: It’s actually way more racist to FAVOR congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-08

Council Member Restler’s bill lets New Yorkers ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, or hydrants near schools. Twenty-four council members back it. The bill targets driver impunity and NYPD inaction. Advocates say it protects cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill number not specified. Sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, the bill is advancing in the City Council with 24 out of 51 members signed on as of November 7, 2022. It sits with the Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, who is working with Restler to streamline the complaint process. The bill’s summary: it allows residents to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or fire hydrants within 1,320 feet of a school, creating a $175 fine and a civilian complaint protocol. Restler and Brooks-Powers are refining the process to avoid the pitfalls of the city’s anti-idling law, which discourages participation. The NYPD and DOT oppose the bill, citing concerns about neighbor conflict. Advocates support it, highlighting NYPD’s failure to protect vulnerable road users. The bill is seen as a major improvement over the ineffective 311 system.

• UPDATE: Restler Bill to Allow Residents to Ticket Dangerous Drivers Gaining Steam, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.

On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.

• Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Councilman Holden and Borough President Richards fought online over congestion pricing. Holden called it a tax on workers. Richards fired back, sparking accusations of racism and party betrayal. The dispute exposed deep rifts over street safety and car dominance.

On November 5, 2022, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards clashed publicly over the MTA's congestion pricing plan. The dispute, reported by nypost.com, began with Holden calling the plan 'another tax on hardworking New Yorkers' and demanding a referendum. Richards retweeted Holden, suggesting an 'actual Democrat' should replace him, and responded to a supporter with 'Yeah white supremacy.' The exchange escalated, drawing condemnation from other officials. The matter centered on the policy to charge motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Holden joined a bipartisan press conference urging Governor Hochul to let voters decide. The spat revealed sharp divides over congestion pricing, with Holden opposing the plan and Richards defending it. No formal council bill or vote was involved, but the fight highlighted the political and racial tensions surrounding street safety and car use in New York City.

• Twitter spat between Queens Dems Donovan Richards and Robert Holden turns racial, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05

A 50-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Driver inexperience and improper turning caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Beach Channel Drive at an intersection in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2016 Honda SUV, traveling north and making a left turn, struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and remained conscious. The report lists driver inexperience and turning improperly as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

City Council passed a bill to map and expand greenways for cyclists and walkers. The plan targets neglected neighborhoods. It demands real infrastructure, not just paint. Advocates say it will open safe routes, cut danger, and connect the city.

On October 27, 2022, the City Council passed a bill requiring a comprehensive master plan for New York City's greenways. The legislation, championed by Council Member Carlina Rivera and supported by Transportation Committee Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), mandates the city to study, map, and expand greenways—'highways for cyclists and pedestrians, separated from motor vehicle traffic.' The bill focuses on low-income and underserved neighborhoods, with a final plan due by December 2024 and updates every five years. Rivera said, 'All of us are here today because we believe in a future where New Yorkers of all backgrounds... can safely access active transportation.' Brooks-Powers called it 'a real opportunity... to make a profound impact.' Advocates like Jon Orcutt of Bike New York praised the move, urging the city to build 'real infrastructure for cycling.' The bill passed nearly unanimously, signaling strong council support for safer, more equitable streets.

• Comprehensive NYC Greenway plan for bike, pedestrian infrastructure passes City Council, amny.com, Published 2022-10-27

A Lexus smashed into a parked Nissan on Beach Channel Drive. The driver, a 41-year-old woman, was left unconscious and bloodied. Police cite driver distraction. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the air.

A westbound Lexus SUV struck a parked Nissan SUV on Beach Channel Drive near 69th Street in Queens. According to the police report, 'A westbound Lexus slammed into a parked Nissan. The SUV folded. Behind the wheel, a 41-year-old woman lay unconscious, her head bloodied, her body crushed beneath the wreckage.' The driver suffered severe head and crush injuries. Three children and another woman were also inside the Lexus; their injuries are not detailed. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The parked Nissan was empty. No helmet or signal use is mentioned. The crash left the Lexus demolished and the street scarred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 27-year-old man died on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. A westbound sedan struck him with its right front bumper. Rage behind the wheel. The man fell far from any crosswalk. He died in the street. The car did not stop.

A 27-year-old pedestrian was killed on Rockaway Beach Boulevard near Beach 87th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a westbound sedan struck the man with its right front bumper. The impact crushed his body. He died at the scene, far from any crosswalk. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the contributing factor for the driver. No other errors or factors are cited. The data shows the driver was traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The violence of the street claimed another life.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4574123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council Member Gale Brewer challenges DOT’s street safety boasts. She questions claims of 750 redesigned intersections. Public data shows far less. Most fixes are signal timing, not real protection. Advocates want proof, not promises. Road deaths remain high. Brewer vows investigation.

On October 5, 2022, Council Member Gale Brewer, chair of the Council's oversight committee, announced plans to investigate the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) street safety claims. Brewer questioned DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s assertion that 750 of 1,000 intersections were redesigned, citing public data showing fewer than 400. Brewer said, “I love the idea of using her committee's investigatory power to explore whether the Adams administration has indeed redesigned 750 of the promised 1,000 intersections... or whether it done fewer than that, as the agency's own public data shows.” She confirmed her intent to use committee investigators and hold an oversight hearing. The matter, titled “City Council oversight inquiry into DOT street safety implementation and data transparency,” highlights DOT’s lack of documentation and reliance on signal retiming over physical improvements. Advocates and Brewer demand full transparency and real progress. Road deaths remain high, and the city lags on legal mandates for bus and bike lanes.

• CM Brewer: ‘I’ll Hold DOT Accountable on Promises and Data’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-05

A pick-up truck pulled out from a parked position and struck an SUV traveling east on Beach Channel Drive. The SUV driver, a 31-year-old man, suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ side doors.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck that was parked on Beach Channel Drive in Queens collided with an eastbound SUV. The SUV’s driver, a 31-year-old man, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and experienced shock. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The pick-up truck was stationary before the crash, and the SUV was going straight ahead when the collision occurred. Damage was sustained to the right side doors of the SUV and the left side doors of the pick-up truck. No occupants were ejected, and the SUV driver was using some form of safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans crashed at Beach 69 Street in Queens. The male driver of one vehicle suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight. Impact hit left side doors and front end.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Beach 69 Street in Queens. The male driver of one sedan, aged 28, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both vehicles were traveling straight when the crash occurred. The point of impact was the left side doors of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The injured driver was secured with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4568872 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two vehicles crashed on Thursby Avenue in Queens. The SUV struck the sedan’s right front bumper with its left front. The sedan’s female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 2006 SUV traveling north on Thursby Avenue collided with a 2013 sedan traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front bumper and the sedan’s right front bumper. The sedan’s 31-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed. The SUV had two occupants, and the sedan had two occupants as well. No ejections occurred. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the SUV and the right front quarter panel of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan turning right struck an e-bike traveling west on Beach Channel Drive. The e-bike carried two riders. The female passenger suffered a fractured knee and lower leg. The driver’s distraction caused the crash. The passenger was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn collided with an e-bike traveling west on Beach Channel Drive. The e-bike had two occupants, including a 26-year-old female passenger who sustained a fractured knee, lower leg, and foot. The passenger was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The e-bike driver was unlicensed. The sedan driver was licensed and female. The collision point was the right front quarter panel of the sedan and the center front end of the e-bike. The passenger’s injuries were severe, involving distortion and dislocation. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4567960 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Council Member Julie Won blasted DOT for stalling a promised pedestrian lane on the Queensboro Bridge. She called the agency’s excuses garbage. Cyclists and walkers remain squeezed into a narrow, dangerous path. DOT’s delays keep vulnerable road users at risk.

On September 15, 2022, Council Member Julie Won publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for delaying the conversion of the Queensboro Bridge’s south outer roadway into a pedestrian-only lane. The project, promised by the previous mayor for completion by the end of 2022, was pushed back at least a year. Won, whose district covers the bridge’s eastern approaches, led a walkthrough with DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and staff from Council Members Julie Menin and Selvena Brooks-Powers. Won said, “They kept saying they can’t give the south outer roadway to pedestrians because there would be traffic. Well, I don’t care about the congestion!” She forced the commissioner to stand in the cramped lane, showing how unsafe it is for both cyclists and pedestrians. DOT offered only minor adjustments, like repainting lines, which Won dismissed as “missing the point.” The agency promised lawmakers data to justify keeping five car lanes, but Won insisted the delay puts lives at risk and called for immediate action.

• Queens Pol: DOT’s Excuses for Queensboro Bridge Safety Delays Are ‘Garbage’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-15

Opponents of the 34th Avenue Open Street hurled slurs and lies. Community Board 3 spread false claims. Volunteers faced homophobia and xenophobia. Officials condemned the hate. The city’s plan aims to cut car traffic and give space to people, not cars.

On September 13, 2022, Queens Community Board 3 and the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance opposed the Department of Transportation’s Paseo Park plan for 34th Avenue. The board circulated an email with misinformation about emergency access and parking. Jim Burke, the open street’s volunteer leader, was targeted with homophobic and xenophobic abuse. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough President Donovan Richards condemned the hate, with Krishnan stating, 'Hate, homophobia, bigotry, threats have no place in our community.' Richards, a supporter of Paseo Park, said, 'We can disagree, but we need to be adults.' DOT spokesman Scott Gastel said the open street benefits the entire community, prioritizing pedestrians and children. The city’s plan removes curbside parking and adds plaza blocks, making streets safer for people.

• Opponents of 34th Ave. Open Street Resort to Bigotry, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-13

Brooklyn and Queens leaders want car-free Summer Streets beyond Manhattan. They urge the city to open roads for people, not cars. Advocates back them. The city says it will review. Families, children, and communities stand to gain space and safety.

On September 12, 2022, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called for expanding the 'Summer Streets' program to their boroughs. They wrote to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, 'Every year, we see how much New Yorkers enjoy the car-free street and associated activities, and we are writing to ask you to bring this beloved event to our respective boroughs in 2023.' The Department of Transportation said it would review the request. Advocates like Juan Restrepo and Jackson Chabot joined the call, demanding more hours and borough-wide access. Community groups stressed the benefits for families and children. The program is described as cost-effective, crime-free, and vital for community building. No formal council bill or vote yet, but the push is clear: open streets for all, not just Manhattan.

• Brooklyn, Queens Beeps Want ‘Summer Streets’ Too!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-12

Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway, once a six-lane speed trap, will shrink to two lanes. DOT will add a parking-protected bike lane and more space for people on foot. The redesign aims to slow drivers and shield those outside cars from harm.

On September 6, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced a major safety redesign for Seagirt Boulevard, a notorious crash corridor in Far Rockaway. The project, not a council bill but a city action, follows years of neglect and repeated crashes. DOT will cut traffic lanes from six to two, add a parking-protected bike lane, and expand pedestrian space. The plan also includes daylighting at intersections and improved markings. According to DOT, 'the project will improve safety for all users, providing connections to existing bike infrastructure and the reduction of a vehicle lane encouraging safer speeds.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the move, saying, 'Far too many people are killed and injured on our city’s streets, especially people of color, who are disproportionately impacted by traffic violence.' Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives added, 'DOT's move to turn car space into protected bike lanes on Seagirt Boulevard, while shortening crossings and expanding median space, will prevent speeding and make it safer to walk, bike, and take transit.' The redesign targets a stretch with 222 crashes and 87 injuries since 2019, aiming to end the long-standing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Long-Ignored Far Rockaway Speedway Finally Getting Safety Redesign, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-06

A sedan turning right struck two men working in the roadway at a Queens intersection. Both pedestrians suffered knee and lower leg injuries. One was ejected from the vehicle. Police cited driver failure to yield and inattention as causes.

According to the police report, a 2007 Honda sedan was making a right turn on Beach 90 Street in Queens when it struck two male pedestrians working in the roadway at the intersection. Both pedestrians, ages 20 and 28, sustained injuries to their knees, lower legs, and feet. One pedestrian was ejected from the vehicle but remained conscious. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. Neither pedestrian was noted to have contributed to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The incident highlights driver errors leading to serious pedestrian injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562472 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

An e-bike rider in Queens suffered head injuries after falling asleep while riding east on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. The 34-year-old man, wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions but was conscious and not ejected. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male e-bike driver in Queens fell asleep while riding eastbound on Rockaway Beach Boulevard near Beach 49 Street. The rider, who held a permit license and wore a helmet, sustained head injuries and abrasions but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists "Fell Asleep" as the primary contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles were involved, and no damage to the e-bike was noted. The rider's injury severity was classified as moderate. This incident highlights the dangers of driver fatigue on vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559883 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07