Forest Park Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

Nov 5 - Councilmember Joann Ariola claimed open streets, bike lanes, and traffic islands slow emergency vehicles. She blamed street safety measures for longer fire response times. FDNY officials disagreed, citing traffic volume. The debate exposes tension between safety for walkers and emergency access.

On November 5, 2022, the NYC Council debated street design and emergency response. The discussion, reported by nypost.com, focused on rising fire deaths and slower FDNY response times. The matter summary reads: 'Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures.' Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) argued that open street programs, bike lanes, and traffic islands hinder emergency vehicles, especially when illegal parking blocks access. She called for better enforcement. Other voices, including union leaders, echoed her concerns. However, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan defended new street designs, stating they were built with emergency input. The Department of Transportation said all projects include emergency routes and are monitored. FDNY officials attributed delays to increased post-pandemic traffic, not street safety measures. The debate highlights the ongoing conflict between car-free streets for vulnerable users and emergency vehicle access.

• Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05

Oct 20 - Sedan veered on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Eighty-four-year-old driver slammed left front. Whiplash. Full-body pain. Unsafe lane change. Driver inexperience. Metal twisted. She stayed conscious, strapped in.

According to the police report, an 84-year-old woman driving a 2017 sedan east on Jackie Robinson Parkway was injured in a crash. She was the only occupant. The report lists unsafe lane changing and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The sedan struck with its left front bumper, damaging the center front end. The driver suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was not ejected and remained conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or people were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4574812 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 16 - 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

Sep 9 - Council Member Joann Ariola voted against expanding speed cameras. Her SUV racked up 27 school-zone speeding tickets. She calls cameras a burden. Critics see hypocrisy. The vote blocks a tool proven to slow drivers and protect people on foot and bike.

On September 9, 2022, the New York City Council considered a 'home rule' message to let state lawmakers expand speed cameras to 24/7 operation. The matter summary: 'expanding New York's speed camera program.' Council Member Joann Ariola, representing southern Queens and the Rockaways, voted no. Ariola argued, 'these cameras add additional financial strain to New Yorkers,' and claimed repeat offenders with fake plates escape punishment. Ariola’s SUV has 48 violations since 2017, including 27 for speeding in school zones and two for running red lights. She insists her record did not influence her vote. Critics, like StreetsPAC’s Eric McClure, highlight the contradiction between her opposition to speed cameras and her stated concern for school safety. The vote denied a proven measure to slow traffic and protect vulnerable road users.

• Queens Pol Voted Against Speed Cameras — And Has 27 Speeding Tickets!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-09

Aug 5 - An e-bike rider struck on Myrtle Avenue in Queens suffered knee and lower leg fractures. The crash involved a vehicle traveling west and an e-bike heading south. The rider was conscious but injured, with damage to the bike’s left side doors.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male e-bike driver was injured on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The rider sustained fractures and dislocations to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved the e-bike traveling south and another vehicle traveling west. The point of impact was the left side doors of the e-bike. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error. The e-bike driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The other vehicle showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 4 - Three cars crashed eastbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Metal twisted. Flames rose. A 35-year-old man suffered chest injuries and burns. Two women and a child hurt. All struck in a chain. Following too closely fueled the wreck.

Three vehicles collided in a chain-reaction crash on Jackie Robinson Parkway. According to the police report, 'Three cars, eastbound, struck in a chain. Metal folded. A man, 35, burned through the belt that held him. His chest crushed. Fire found him anyway.' Seven people were involved. A 35-year-old male driver suffered severe chest injuries and burns. Two female drivers, ages 25 and 60, were injured, along with a 60-year-old female passenger and a 3-year-old and 2-year-old child. The police report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor. The force of the crash left metal twisted and the night lit by flames. No other contributing factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552460 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - Two sedans crashed head-on on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Both drivers were male, one licensed, one with a permit. Alcohol was involved. A rear passenger suffered hip and upper leg injuries, reporting pain and nausea. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on Jackie Robinson Parkway at 3:30 a.m. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead in opposite directions. One driver held a valid license; the other was driving with a permit. Alcohol involvement was noted as a contributing factor. The impact occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. A 32-year-old male rear passenger was injured, suffering hip and upper leg trauma and experiencing shock, pain, and nausea. He was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement but does not specify other driver errors. Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551012 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - Two SUVs collided eastbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The rear driver, distracted and inexperienced, hit the lead SUV and suffered neck injuries. Both vehicles damaged. No ejection. Crash cut sharp and sudden.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles traveling east on Jackie Robinson Parkway collided when the rear SUV struck the back of the lead SUV. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 34-year-old man, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash. Police list driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers, with inexperience also cited for the rear driver. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead at the time of impact. The injured driver was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The crash left both SUVs damaged at their front and rear ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 9 - Three years after approval, congestion pricing remains stuck. Councilmember Joann Ariola opposes the plan, claiming it will worsen city travel. Delays threaten $1 billion in MTA funding. Vulnerable road users wait as traffic and pollution persist. No relief in sight.

On June 9, 2022, Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) joined critics in a policy debate over New York City's stalled congestion pricing plan. The measure, approved by state lawmakers three years ago, would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The MTA faces hundreds of follow-up questions from the Federal Highway Administration, delaying the required environmental assessment. Ariola argued, 'I don’t believe it will work, in fact I believe it will make the city more unmanageable to travel through.' The plan is intended to reduce traffic, lower car pollution, and fund MTA capital improvements. Delays put $1 billion in annual funding at risk, threatening upgrades like accessible subway stations and zero-emission buses. As the debate drags on, vulnerable road users remain exposed to traffic and pollution hazards.

• Congestion pricing continues to stall, three years after being announced, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-09

Jun 4 - SUV slammed into another SUV’s rear on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Passenger’s leg took the blow. Night crash. Following too closely triggered the impact. Passenger stayed conscious, lap belt on.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling west on Jackie Robinson Parkway collided when one struck the rear of the other. The front passenger in the lead SUV, an 18-year-old male, suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead. The impact hit the back end of the lead SUV and the front of the striking SUV. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Jun 2 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Jun 1 - Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

May 31 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

May 26 - City Council voted to extend and expand speed cameras. The bill lets cameras run all day, every day. Forty-three said yes, seven said no. David Carr voted no. The measure now heads to Albany. Streets may see more eyes, more tickets.

On May 26, 2022, the City Council approved a home rule request to extend and expand New York City's speed camera program, allowing cameras to operate 24/7 for three more years. The vote was 43 in favor, seven against. The matter summary: 'giving the state Legislature the go-ahead to pass a three-year extension and expansion of New York City's speed camera program that allows them to operate 24/7.' Council Member David Carr (District 50) voted no. Other Republicans and two Democrats also opposed. Ydanis Rodriguez, City Transportation Commissioner, said, 'Cameras will be 24/7 the whole year.' The bill now moves to the state legislature, which must act before June 2. No formal safety analyst note was provided for this action.

• NYC Council signs off on 24/7 speed enforcement cameras, nypost.com, Published 2022-05-26

May 25 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

May 25 - Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

May 24 - Two sedans crashed head-to-tail on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Both drivers suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The rear driver followed too closely, striking the front vehicle’s rear. Both men were conscious and restrained at the time of impact.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway collided in a rear-end crash. The driver of the trailing vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance, contributing to the collision. Both drivers, aged 28 and 49, were injured with neck trauma and complaints of whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The point of impact was the center front end of the lead vehicle and the center back end of the trailing vehicle. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor. Neither driver was ejected. Both held valid New York licenses and were traveling straight ahead at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4531852 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

May 23 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23