Staten Island Streets: Blood on Their Hands, Silence from City Hall

Oct 14 - A driver going east on Buel Avenue hit a 60-year-old man in a marked crosswalk at Husson Street. Police recorded aggressive driving/road rage by the driver. The man suffered a bruised lower leg.

At Buel Avenue and Husson Street on Staten Island, a driver traveling east hit a 60-year-old man who was crossing in a marked crosswalk. He was conscious and suffered a contusion to the lower leg. “According to the police report, police recorded aggressive driving/road rage by the driver.” The driver was going straight ahead and the point of impact was the center front. The report lists eastbound travel on Buel Avenue and notes no vehicle damage. The pedestrian was at the intersection. There is no indication of other contributing factors beyond an unspecified entry in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4849723 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Oct 9 - Northbound sedan driver changed lanes on Richmond Road at Whitaker Place. Three SUVs were going straight. Three drivers were hurt. Police recorded unsafe lane changing and passing too closely.

A northbound driver in a sedan changed lanes on Richmond Road at Whitaker Place in Staten Island, in a crash involving three northbound SUVs. Three drivers were injured: a 40-year-old woman with facial pain, a 33-year-old woman with a leg contusion, and a 38-year-old man with back pain. According to the police report, police recorded Unsafe Lane Changing and Passing Too Closely by drivers. The sedan’s right front quarter panel was damaged; SUVs showed rear and side impacts. The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. The site lies within the 122nd Precinct.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4848539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Oct 8 - Three drivers in sedans collided at Mc Clean and Linwood in Staten Island at 10:10 a.m. A 53-year-old woman driver was hurt with an arm bruise. Police recorded traffic control disregarded and driver inattention.

Three drivers in sedans collided on Mc Clean Ave at Linwood Ave in Staten Island at 10:10 a.m. A 53-year-old woman, driving north, was injured with a bruise to her elbow and arm. Others were listed with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" were recorded as contributing factors. Damage data show front-end damage on two sedans and right-rear damage on the eastbound Toyota. Police recorded drivers disregarding traffic control. The record names no pedestrians or cyclists, but the crash left a working driver hurt while passing through a neighborhood street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4849699 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Oct 8 - Two eastbound drivers crashed on the Staten Island Expressway. Both were hurt. Police recorded tire failure. One driver was unlicensed.

Two eastbound drivers crashed on the Staten Island Expressway at 8:45 a.m. A 45-year-old woman drove a 2021 Subaru SUV. A 36-year-old man drove a 2015 BMW sedan. Both drivers were injured; he reported neck pain and she was in shock. According to the police report, officers recorded “Tire Failure/Inadequate” as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was unlicensed, according to the report. Both vehicles showed damage to doors and quarter panels. Both were traveling eastbound at the time of the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4848525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Oct 7 - Two vehicles collided on the Staten Island Expressway. A 22-year-old passenger was hurt. Police recorded unsafe speed by the driver. The Mercedes driver was going east; its left front bumper was damaged.

Two vehicles collided on the Staten Island Expressway. A 22-year-old male passenger was injured. He was conscious and not ejected, with pain and body trauma. According to the police report, "Unsafe Speed" was recorded as a contributing factor by the driver. The driver of a 2021 Mercedes sedan was traveling east and going straight. The left front bumper was the point of impact and damage. A 24-year-old male driver was listed with injury status "Unspecified." A second vehicle was recorded, but details were not provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4848252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Sep 20 - A driver in a westbound SUV turned left on Richmond Road at Forest Road and hit a southbound SUV. Both drivers were hurt. Police recorded failure to yield by the drivers.

Two SUV drivers collided at Richmond Road and Forest Road in Staten Island. According to the police report, a westbound driver making a left turn hit a southbound SUV going straight. Both front ends took the blow. Police recorded Failure to Yield Right-of-Way by the drivers. A 95-year-old man behind the wheel of a 2022 Toyota was injured with minor bleeding to his arm and hand. A 45-year-old woman driving a 2025 Mercedes was injured with a contusion. Both were conscious and not ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists were listed. The crash was logged under collision ID 4844478 in the 122nd Precinct.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4844478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Sep 16 - On Richmond Rd at Narrows Rd S, a Honda SUV driver turned left and hit a 23-year-old man in the intersection. The man suffered leg injuries. Police recorded "View Obstructed/Limited" for the driver.

A 71-year-old woman driving a 2011 Honda SUV made a left turn on Richmond Rd at Narrows Rd S in Staten Island and hit a 23-year-old man in the intersection. He suffered a leg injury and remained conscious. According to the police report, the driver was "Making Left Turn," impact was to the left front bumper, and police recorded "View Obstructed/Limited" for the driver. The crash occurred in the 122nd Precinct area. No vehicle damage was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4842824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Sep 15 - Eastbound on the Staten Island Expressway. A driver followed too close and hit the back of a Volkswagen. The 39-year-old woman driving that car was hurt with whiplash and back pain. Police recorded Following Too Closely.

According to the police report, both sedans were traveling east on the Staten Island Expressway. Both were going straight. The driver of a 2009 sedan hit the center back end of a 2022 sedan. Police recorded Following Too Closely by the driver. The 39-year-old woman driving the lead car was injured. She was conscious and reported whiplash and back pain. Damage reflected a rear-end impact: front-center damage to the following car and rear-center damage to the lead car. The crash was logged at 11:30 a.m. in precinct 122.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4844718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 15 - A westbound pickup driver rear-ended a stopped sedan on Clove Road at Fayette. Two drivers and a 16-year-old front passenger were injured with bruises and back or facial pain. Police recorded driver inattention/distraction.

A pickup driver traveling west struck the center rear of a stopped sedan on Clove Road at Fayette. Two drivers and a 16-year-old front-seat passenger suffered contusions and complaints of back and facial pain. According to the police report, the contributing factor was "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The pickup showed center front-end damage; the sedan took a center back-end impact. Police listed Driver Inattention/Distraction for the involved drivers. No other contributing factors for the injuries were cited in the report. The injured occupants were conscious and not ejected; all reported contusions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835483 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 15 - The driver of an eastbound Lexus ran a traffic control and struck a northbound Honda at Jefferson St and Liberty Ave. An 85-year-old Honda driver suffered a head injury. His 85-year-old passenger complained of chest pain. Police cited traffic control disregard.

The driver of an eastbound Lexus drove through a traffic control and struck the left side of a northbound Honda at Jefferson St and Liberty Ave. An 85-year-old male Honda driver suffered a head injury and reported whiplash; his 85-year-old front-seat passenger reported chest pain. According to the police report, the contributing factor was "Traffic Control Disregarded." The Honda driver record also lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. Police logged impact points consistent with a center-front collision into the Honda's left side. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835276 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 8 - A southbound sedan turned left on Hylan Boulevard and hit a 21-year-old bicyclist going straight east. He suffered shoulder and upper-arm contusions and bruises. Police listed driver inattention/distraction.

The driver of a southbound sedan turned left from Hylan Boulevard onto Sand Lane and hit a 21-year-old bicyclist who was going straight east. The bicyclist suffered shoulder and upper-arm injuries and a contusion. According to the police report, the contributing factor was "Driver Inattention/Distraction." Police recorded the sedans pre-crash action as making a left turn and the point of impact as the sedans left front bumper against the bikes left front quarter panel. The report lists the motorist as licensed. The listed driver inattention is the cited error in the crash investigation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4836016 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 5 - Poor DOT signs on Hylan Boulevard sow chaos. Drivers turn from the wrong lane. Collisions mount. Bus lane rules shift by the hour. The street stays dangerous for those on foot and bike.

According to amny (2025-08-05), collisions on Hylan Boulevard have risen due to unclear DOT signage about bus lane hours. Borough President Vito Fossella noted, “That’s one accident every four days where somebody perhaps unwittingly thinks they must turn from the middle lane.” The article reports 32 crashes in 2025 tied to drivers making right turns from the middle lane instead of the curb-side bus lane. Some signs list hours, others only say 'Bus Corridor Photo,' confusing drivers. The lack of clear, consistent information leaves intersections hazardous, especially for vulnerable road users. The report highlights a pressing need for better signage and clearer policy.

• Confusing Bus Lane Signs Spur Crashes, amny, Published 2025-08-05

Aug 4 - A hotel awning crashed down at Clark Street station. Years of leaks, rot, and stench warned locals. No one fixed it. The city let danger fester. Pedestrians faced the risk. No injuries, but trust is broken.

"Our NYC Buildings engineers are now on site conducting additional inspections of the collapsed awning, and a second similar awning at the building on Clark Street, which is showing similar signs of poor maintenance." -- James S. Oddo

On August 4, 2025, a hotel awning collapsed outside the Clark Street subway station in Brooklyn Heights. The incident, reported by Barbara Russo-Lennon and Lloyd Mitchell, followed 'years of visible disrepair, foul smells and water leaks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler confirmed no timeline for reopening. The Department of Buildings cited the owners for 'Failure to maintain' and ordered demolition. DOB Commissioner James Oddo said engineers are inspecting a second awning showing 'poor maintenance.' The collapse put pedestrians in harm's way. As safety analysts note, such failures in busy areas raise the risk of injury or death for vulnerable road users and discourage walking, undermining city safety goals.

• ‘Not surprised’: Locals say neglect to blame in Clark Street station awning collapse, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-04

Aug 2 - The driver of a northbound sedan rear-ended a stopped northbound sedan on Hylan Boulevard at Quintard Street in Staten Island. A 49-year-old driver suffered a back contusion and shock. Police cited driver inattention.

Two northbound sedans collided on Hylan Boulevard at Quintard Street in Staten Island. The driver of a stopped sedan was struck from behind by the driver of another sedan. “According to the police report, one sedan was stopped in traffic when another sedan struck it from behind.” A 49-year-old driver reported a back contusion and shock. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The injured occupant was restrained with a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 2 - A driver in a sedan going east on Hylan hit a man on a standing motorized vehicle at Garretson. The rider suffered a back injury and a concussion. Police recorded defective brakes.

A crash at Hylan Blvd and Garretson Ave in Staten Island injured a 60-year-old man riding a standing motorized vehicle. A driver in a 2022 Dodge sedan, traveling east, hit him while both operators were going straight. The rider suffered a back injury and a concussion. According to the police report, officers recorded 'Brakes Defective' as the contributing factor. The case lists the same factor for involved parties. No other driver errors were cited in the data. The report shows both vehicles sustained no recorded damage. The crash occurred at 8:17 a.m. in the 122nd Precinct.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833211 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 23 - Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 20 - SUV veered on Richmond Road. Unsafe lane change. Unsafe speed. Driver and passenger injured. Chest and shoulder hit. Whiplash. Night air thick with sirens. Metal and flesh, shaken.

A crash on Richmond Road at Garretson Avenue in Staten Island left two people injured. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV was involved in unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed. The driver, a 68-year-old man, and a 66-year-old front passenger suffered injuries to the shoulder, upper arm, and chest, with both reporting whiplash. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. Both injured occupants were using lap belts and harnesses at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 18 - Two cars slammed together on Cromwell Ave. One passenger, age 56, suffered neck pain and shock. Police cite failure to yield. Metal twisted. Pain followed. The street stayed dangerous.

A sedan and an SUV crashed on Cromwell Ave at Plattsburg St in Staten Island. According to the police report, a 56-year-old front passenger was injured, suffering neck pain and shock. Other occupants, including a 6-year-old boy, were involved but not seriously hurt. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the main cause. Both vehicles were going straight before impact. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes air bags deployed and seat belts used, but only after driver error is cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821535 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 18 - Congestion pricing cuts traffic jams across Manhattan and the metro. Streets clear. Delays drop. Fewer cars mean more space for people. The city breathes. Vulnerable road users gain ground. Data shows real relief, not empty promises.

On June 18, 2025, the Regional Plan Association released a report on congestion pricing’s impact. The study, covered by Barbara Russo-Lennon, found a 25% drop in Manhattan traffic jams, with smaller but real declines in the Bronx and New Jersey. The report states: 'Congestion pricing is delivering clear benefits, saving people time and the aggravation of being stuck in traffic.' Council Member Frank Morano and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton criticized the program, citing Staten Island’s smaller gains and health concerns. MTA Chair Janno Lieber defended the policy, pointing to improved drive times and transit use. Safety analysts note congestion pricing reduces car traffic, lowers crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages mode shift, and supports safer, more equitable streets. The program’s future now rests with the federal courts.

• Real road relief: Latest congestion pricing research shows fewer traffic jams and delays across NYC metro area, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-06-18