Forest Park Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

May 22 - Council members fight congestion pricing for 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers ride transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Advocates say the plan funds transit, cuts traffic, and spares the vulnerable. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

The congestion pricing debate centers on a policy to toll drivers entering Manhattan’s core. The bill faces opposition from Council Members David Weprin, Joann Ariola, and Ari Kagan, who argue it will hurt small businesses and outer-borough residents. On May 22, 2023, Ari Kagan said, 'Congestion Pricing will hurt countless New Yorkers, small businesses, residents of so-called outer-boroughs & will create huge lines of parked cars right outside of Manhattan.' Yet, the MTA’s assessment shows only 5,200 city drivers commute by car from areas far from fast transit—just 1.2% of that population. Advocates like Felicia Park-Rogers counter, 'this policy has the potential to be utterly transformational for our city.' The plan includes exemptions for disabled and low-income drivers. Most New Yorkers stand to gain safer, better-funded transit and less congestion.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 16 - Three vehicles collided in a chain reaction on Jackie Robinson Parkway. A sedan rear-ended another sedan, which then struck an SUV. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered an elbow abrasion. All drivers were licensed and traveling westbound.

According to the police report, a chain collision occurred on Jackie Robinson Parkway involving two sedans and one SUV, all traveling westbound. The rear sedan driver, a 33-year-old man, was injured with an abrasion to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver errors including 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision involved impacts to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 25 - Three vehicles collided on Jackie Robinson Parkway. An SUV changed lanes unsafely, striking two sedans. A 21-year-old front passenger suffered a head contusion. The crash left vehicles damaged and a passenger injured despite seatbelt use.

According to the police report, the crash involved a station wagon/SUV and two sedans, all traveling east on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The SUV driver committed unsafe lane changing, causing a collision with the sedans. A 21-year-old female front passenger in one sedan was injured, sustaining a head contusion. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The impact damaged the center front and back ends of the vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615374 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 11 - A Mercedes sped west on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The road was slick. The car slammed, crumpled, and threw its driver. He died on the pavement, head crushed. Unsafe speed and slippery asphalt left no room for mercy.

A single-car crash on Jackie Robinson Parkway killed a 28-year-old man. According to the police report, a 2011 Mercedes sedan was traveling west at unsafe speed on slick pavement. The car was demolished. The driver, unbelted, was ejected and died from head injuries. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash left the driver alone on the road, the car destroyed. The police report states: 'The car crumpled. The unbelted driver, 28, was thrown from the wreck. He died alone on the road, head shattered, speed his final word.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - A 56-year-old man driving an SUV struck a sedan ahead on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The SUV hit the sedan’s left rear bumper. The SUV driver suffered a head injury and was semiconscious but not ejected. Both vehicles traveled westbound.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Jackie Robinson Parkway involving a 2010 SUV and a 2021 sedan, both traveling westbound. The SUV driver, a 56-year-old man, was injured with a head wound and was semiconscious after the crash. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the sedan, struck by the SUV’s center front end. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The sedan had two occupants, and the SUV had one. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Feb 18 - A 62-year-old man driving an SUV on Myrtle Avenue in Queens suffered a head abrasion after a crash. The driver fell asleep behind the wheel. Multiple vehicles were damaged in the collision. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as a contributing factor, indicating driver fatigue led to the collision. Several vehicles, including SUVs and a sedan, sustained damage at various impact points. The driver error identified is falling asleep at the wheel. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606784 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 11 - A sedan lost steering on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The car crashed head-on. The young driver suffered leg abrasions. No one else was hurt. The vehicle was demolished. Only steering failure is listed as cause.

According to the police report, a 2014 Dodge sedan traveling west on Jackie Robinson Parkway crashed after a steering failure. The 18-year-old male driver was injured, suffering abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Steering Failure' as the contributing factor. The vehicle was demolished with impact at the center front end. No other vehicles, pedestrians, or passengers were involved or injured. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other errors or factors are cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 9 - Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Dec 24 - A 71-year-old man was struck by a southbound sedan on 71 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver hit the pedestrian with the left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 71 Avenue at an intersection in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when a 2019 Honda sedan traveling southbound struck him with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, but the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 6 - A sedan traveling south on Forest Park Drive crashed after the driver fell asleep. The vehicle struck an object with its right front bumper. The 49-year-old male driver suffered facial abrasions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Forest Park Drive. The sedan, traveling straight ahead, impacted with its right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The driver sustained abrasions to the face and remained conscious. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of driver fatigue leading to loss of control and collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4587512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 28 - Council members push the MTA to study reviving the Rockaway Beach rail line. The move aims to connect southeast Queens, cut car trips, and open new routes. The bill signals urgency but lacks binding power. Debate continues over transit versus parkland.

On November 28, 2022, Council Members Joann Ariola and Selvena Brooks-Powers introduced a City Council resolution urging the MTA to conduct an environmental impact study for the QueensLink rail reactivation. The bill, non-binding and currently under committee review, seeks to revive 3.5 miles of the former Rockaway Beach Branch, extending the M train from Rego Park to the Rockaways. The matter title calls for 'a deeper study of the QueensLink proposal to reactivate an old rail line.' Ariola and Brooks-Powers, both representing southeastern Queens, argue the project would benefit communities with poor subway access and reduce car dependency. Ariola stated, 'I think it’s necessary and I think that it would really benefit the communities.' Brooks-Powers emphasized the resolution as a priority for the Transportation Committee. The push comes as Mayor Adams advances the QueensWay park plan, raising concerns among transit advocates. The MTA says a new study is unnecessary, but supporters insist a thorough review is needed before converting the corridor to parkland.

• Queens Pols Revive Push for MTA to Study QueensLink, As QueensWay Linear Park Surges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-28

Nov 14 - Council pushes bills to curb deadly lithium-ion battery fires. FDNY supports bans on unsafe batteries and calls for more safety info. Advocates warn bans hit low-income delivery workers. Debate rages as fires, injuries, and deaths mount. City eyes safer charging.

On November 14, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on a package of bills addressing lithium-ion battery fires. The FDNY supported four out of five bills, including bans on second-use and non-certified batteries, a public safety campaign, and safety information for delivery workers. The FDNY expressed concern about resource demands for detailed annual fire reporting. The matter summary states the bills aim to address the rise of deadly fires from faulty batteries, often used by delivery workers. Council Member Joann Ariola urged the FDNY to consider international solutions and invest in safe charging infrastructure. Hildalyn Colón Hernández of Los Deliveristas Unidos opposed the bans, arguing they punish low-income workers and miss root causes. The city recently abandoned a proposal to ban e-bikes on NYCHA property and is working on new charging stations. The debate highlights the struggle to protect vulnerable workers while preventing more deaths and injuries.

• FDNY Backing Council Bills to Address Deadly Fires from Lithium Ion Batteries, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-14