Injured, Ignored, and Waiting: Oakwood Deserves Safe Streets Now

Mar 20 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Mar 14 - Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks joined Staten Island leaders to denounce Manhattan’s congestion toll. They warned it would raise costs for working families and worsen air for minority neighborhoods. The MTA’s own study found pollution could rise in outer boroughs. The fight continues.

On March 14, 2024, Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (District 49) stood with Staten Island officials at a press conference to oppose New York’s congestion pricing plan. The event, covered by nypost.com, highlighted concerns that the $15 toll for driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan would, as Hanks said, 'have a negative impact in neighborhoods of color in the outer boroughs.' Hanks and others argued the plan would burden working residents and increase pollution in Staten Island’s minority communities. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s environmental assessment confirmed air quality could worsen in Staten Island, the Bronx, and New Jersey, even as it improves in Manhattan. The MTA pledged $130 million for clean-up, but local leaders remain unconvinced. Hanks’s opposition underscores the ongoing debate over who pays—and who suffers—when the city tries to curb car traffic.

• NY’s congestion toll will discriminate against forgotten borough of Staten Island: local pols, nypost.com, Published 2024-03-14

Mar 10 - A USPS truck turned left on Hylan Boulevard and hit a southbound sedan. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and bruises. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a USPS vehicle making a left turn on Hylan Boulevard struck a sedan traveling straight south. The sedan's left side doors took the impact from the USPS truck's left front bumper. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old man, was injured in the head and suffered contusions but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor for both drivers. Both held valid New York licenses. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger of driver distraction during turning movements on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 16 - Assembly bill A 9219 lets drivers escape speed camera tickets if the notice has missing, wrong, or unreadable info. One error, and the violation vanishes. The bill stands at sponsorship.

Assembly bill A 9219, sponsored by Mike Reilly (District 62), sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, introduced February 16, 2024, is in committee. It states: 'Permits a violation captured by a speed camera to be dismissed upon the application of the person alleged to be liable for such violation if any information that is required to be inserted in the notice of liability is omitted from such notice of liability, misdescribed or illegible.' No votes have been recorded. The bill focuses on procedural fairness for drivers, not on the safety of people outside the car. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on pedestrians or cyclists.

• File A 9219, Open States, Published 2024-02-16

Feb 4 - Eighteen lawmakers, including Joseph Borelli, sued to stop New York’s $15 congestion pricing. They claim the toll shifts pollution, burdens drivers, and fails communities with poor transit. The MTA defends the plan, saying it funds safer, less crowded streets.

On February 4, 2024, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (District 51) joined seventeen other lawmakers in a federal lawsuit to block New York City’s $15 congestion pricing toll for Midtown Manhattan. The suit, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, argues the toll 'is a detriment to those that will be affected by this toll, environmentally and financially,' and claims it will shift traffic and pollution to other neighborhoods. Other plaintiffs include State Senators James Skoufis, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Iwen Chu, Monica Martinez, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther, Jamie Williams, and David Weprin. The MTA, backed by Governor Hochul, says the toll will raise $1 billion yearly for transit upgrades, promising safer, less congested streets and better transit for the majority who rely on public transportation. The case highlights the political and environmental battle over how to fund and shape New York’s streets.

• 18 NY lawmakers join suit to block $15 congestion toll, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-04

Jan 9 - Senator Lanza pushes to kill congestion pricing. Streets may see more cars, more chaos. The bill strips a key tool for safer, calmer roads. Vulnerable New Yorkers face greater risk.

Senate Bill S 8149, sponsored by Andrew J. Lanza of District 24, seeks to repeal congestion pricing. Introduced on January 9, 2024, the bill is at the sponsorship stage. The measure's title is blunt: 'Repeals congestion pricing.' Lanza stands as the primary sponsor. If passed, this repeal would remove a policy designed to limit car traffic in crowded city streets. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the move threatens to flood roads with more vehicles, putting pedestrians and cyclists in harm’s way.

• File S 8149, Open States, Published 2024-01-09

Dec 28 - A crash involving a box truck and multiple sedans injured ten occupants. The collision occurred on Bishop Street. All injured suffered whiplash. The driver was aggressive, leading to the impact.

A crash on Bishop Street in Staten Island involved a box truck and several sedans, resulting in ten occupants being injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage.' All injured individuals, including a 58-year-old male passenger and children aged 4, 5, 8, and 9, suffered whiplash. The report does not specify further driver errors or contributing factors beyond aggressive driving. No victims were blamed in the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 7 - A 14-year-old girl crossing against the signal was struck on Hylan Boulevard. The vehicle hit her on the right side doors. She suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The driver was speeding. The girl remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing against the signal at an intersection on Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island. The vehicle struck her on the right side doors. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruise to her shoulder and upper arm and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted but not blamed. No other driver errors or safety equipment details were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686948 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - A 24-year-old male front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a Staten Island crash. The SUV struck with its left front bumper. Limited view contributed. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford SUV traveling south on Amboy Road struck its front passenger, a 24-year-old man, causing head injuries and whiplash. The passenger was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other driver errors were listed. The passenger was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3. The crash highlights the dangers of limited visibility leading to impact inside the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - An SUV rear-ended a stopped car on Hylan Boulevard. The driver in the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper lane usage. The victim was restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, a northbound SUV rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island. The 53-year-old male driver of the struck car suffered back injuries and whiplash. He was wearing a lap belt and harness, remained conscious, and was not ejected. Police listed "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. The impact was to the center back end of the stopped vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash involved multiple SUVs and a sedan, but only the rear-ended driver was injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679192 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 11 - Two sedans crashed on Tysens Lane at night. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered a shoulder injury. The impact hit the left side doors of one vehicle and the front ends of the others. Driver inexperience and distraction contributed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Tysens Lane. The 64-year-old male driver was injured in the shoulder and remained conscious. The crash involved one vehicle making a left turn and others traveling straight. The point of impact included left front bumpers and left side doors. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679502 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 30 - A 38-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing with the signal on Tysens Lane. The driver was making a left turn and failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered bruises to her abdomen and pelvis but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Tysens Lane while crossing with the signal. The driver, operating a 2021 Honda SUV, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her abdomen and pelvis and remained conscious. The report lists driver errors including inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to lawful pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 22 - Port Authority will spend $8.3 million to study widening the Outerbridge Crossing. Critics warn more lanes mean more cars, not less congestion. Officials promise to consider a path for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge remains dangerous for all who cross.

On September 22, 2023, the Port Authority approved an $8.3 million study to examine widening the Outerbridge Crossing, as required by a 2021 state law. The study, led by HDR, will look at expanding the bridge’s narrow lanes to meet federal standards and possibly adding more lanes. The matter summary states the goal is to 'relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.' State Senator Andrew Lanza pushed for the study, calling the bridge 'very narrow therefore very dangerous.' Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton acknowledged induced demand and said the study will consider all options, including a shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians. Former Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz opposed widening, urging investment in public transit instead. The study’s outcome could shape the future safety of vulnerable road users crossing between Staten Island and New Jersey.

• Madness: Port Authority Will Spend $8.3M to ‘Study’ Widening Outerbridge Crossing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-22

Aug 13 - A sedan turned left on Hylan Boulevard. A motorcycle hit its rear. The rider flew off, hurt all over, bleeding. Police list failure to yield and unsafe speed. The crash left the motorcycle demolished.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on Hylan Boulevard collided with a southbound motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the sedan's right rear quarter panel. The 20-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to his entire body, with minor bleeding. He was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors: Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Unsafe Speed. The sedan driver failed to yield while turning left, leading to the crash. The motorcycle was demolished. The rider was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 16 - A convertible struck a sedan on Ebbitts Street in Staten Island. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash happened during a left turn. The convertible passed too closely, causing the collision and damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, a convertible traveling south on Ebbitts Street collided with a sedan stopped in traffic and making a left turn. The sedan driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. The convertible impacted the left front quarter panel of the sedan, damaging the left side doors. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The sedan driver was not ejected and sustained injury severity level 3. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 14 - An 85-year-old man was hit on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island. The SUV made an improper left turn and struck the pedestrian outside an intersection. The man suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The driver was distracted and inattentive.

According to the police report, a 2020 Ford SUV was making a left turn on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island when it struck an 85-year-old male pedestrian not at an intersection. The pedestrian was injured with a contusion and bruising to his shoulder and upper arm. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Turning Improperly" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The driver was licensed and traveling southbound at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645431 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 9 - A Honda motorcycle crashed into a turning BMW on Ebbitts Street. The rider, 55, struck the car’s side and hit the wet pavement. He bled from his shoulder but stayed conscious. The crash left the road stained and silent.

A crash on Ebbitts Street in Staten Island left a 55-year-old motorcycle rider injured. According to the police report, a Honda motorcycle slammed into the left side of a BMW sedan as the car made a left turn. The rider suffered severe bleeding from his shoulder and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The road was wet at the time of the crash. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No injuries were reported for the BMW driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 10 - A pick-up truck struck the left rear bumper of a stopped SUV on Richmond Road, Staten Island. A 53-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash was caused by following too closely. The victim was restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling east on Richmond Road rear-ended a stopped SUV at the left rear bumper. The impact injured a 53-year-old female passenger in the SUV, who complained of neck pain and nausea and was in shock. She was seated in the right rear passenger seat and was secured with a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The pick-up truck driver was making a right turn before the collision. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The victim was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19