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

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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 2025-09-19

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

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 14 - SUV lost control on slick Richmond Road. Two women and a teenage boy inside. Two injured, one in shock. Pavement slippery. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the air.

An SUV crashed on Richmond Road near Stobe Avenue in Staten Island. Two women, ages 54, and an 18-year-old male passenger were inside. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Pavement Slippery.' The SUV was making a left turn when it lost control. The driver and the rear passenger were injured and in shock. The right side of the SUV was damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors beyond the slippery pavement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821138 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 13 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 12 - Sanitation crews crushed hundreds of mopeds and e-bikes on Staten Island. Smoke rose as batteries burned. Officials called it a crackdown on unregistered vehicles. A Citi Bike was smashed too. The mayor watched. No word on why it was there.

Gothamist reported on June 12, 2025, that New York City officials destroyed around 200 unregistered mopeds and e-bikes at a Staten Island sanitation facility. Mayor Eric Adams said over 100,000 'ghost vehicles' have been seized since 2022, including cars with fake or missing plates. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, 'This morning is not just about crushing mopeds. It is about crushing the criminal activity and quality of life activities that come with them.' The crackdown targets vehicles often used by delivery workers but also linked by officials to traffic violations and other offenses. A Citi Bike was destroyed among the pile, though officials did not explain why. The event highlighted ongoing enforcement actions and raised questions about policy impacts on vulnerable road users.

• City Destroys Mopeds, E-Bikes En Masse, Gothamist, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12