Aug 3 - Seven Staten Island leaders want Norman Brown off the MTA board. Brown questioned new railcars for the borough after lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. Officials call his stance bureaucratic ignorance. The fight spotlights power struggles over transit and rider needs.

On August 3, 2024, seven Staten Island officials, including Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (District 51), called for the removal of MTA board member Norman Brown. Their letter to Governor Hochul followed Brown’s June comments suggesting Staten Island lose its promised 75 new R211S railcars because local lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. The letter, signed by Assemblymen Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Senator Andrew Lanza, Councilman David Carr, and Borelli, called Brown’s remarks 'a masterclass in bureaucratic ignorance.' Brown said he would welcome removal. The new railcars would replace aging trains from the 1970s. The matter exposes deep rifts over transit funding and priorities, with Staten Island riders caught in the crossfire.

• Staten Island pols urge Hochul to yank MTA board member who recommended stripping borough of new railcars, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-03

Aug 3 - Seven Staten Island leaders want Norman Brown off the MTA board. Brown questioned new railcars for the borough after lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. Officials call his stance bureaucratic ignorance. The fight spotlights power struggles over transit and rider needs.

On August 3, 2024, seven Staten Island officials, including Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (District 51), called for the removal of MTA board member Norman Brown. Their letter to Governor Hochul followed Brown’s June comments suggesting Staten Island lose its promised 75 new R211S railcars because local lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. The letter, signed by Assemblymen Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Senator Andrew Lanza, Councilman David Carr, and Borelli, called Brown’s remarks 'a masterclass in bureaucratic ignorance.' Brown said he would welcome removal. The new railcars would replace aging trains from the 1970s. The matter exposes deep rifts over transit funding and priorities, with Staten Island riders caught in the crossfire.

• Staten Island pols urge Hochul to yank MTA board member who recommended stripping borough of new railcars, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-03

Jul 28 - Two vehicles crashed at Lamoka Avenue in Staten Island. The SUV struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The sedan’s 60-year-old male driver suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:41 AM on Lamoka Avenue, Staten Island. A 2022 Hyundai SUV traveling south collided with a 2009 Hyundai sedan traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The sedan’s driver, a 60-year-old male, was injured with a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead prior to impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 26 - Two sedans crashed late at night on Genesee Avenue. A front-seat passenger suffered arm and shoulder injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard as a cause. The city’s streets remain dangerous for all.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 22:55 on Genesee Avenue, Staten Island. The crash left a 50-year-old woman, riding as a front passenger, with shoulder and upper arm injuries and in shock. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight before impact. The injured passenger wore a lap belt and was not ejected. The police report highlights driver error as the cause, with no indication of fault by the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 24 - Governor Hochul’s halt on congestion pricing guts $12 billion in MTA contracts. Thousands of jobs vanish. Local companies lose out. Lawmakers in affected districts stay silent or cheer. Trains and buses face deep cuts. Riders, workers, and streets pay the price.

On July 24, 2024, Governor Hochul’s official pause on congestion pricing triggered a $12 billion loss in MTA contracts, according to a Reinvent Albany report. The move slashes funding for the 2020-24 MTA capital plan, which was to be partly paid by congestion pricing. The report highlights that many companies losing contracts are in districts represented by lawmakers who either support the pause or have stayed silent. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick called congestion pricing 'simply another tax' and demanded repeal. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow praised the pause, saying it allows time to address 'communities' concerns.' Frank Russo, president of Ozone Park Lumber, warned, 'You can't just say, 'We're not going to buy supplies and equipment.'' Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany said, 'Congestion pricing is an economic booster.' The pause means less money for transit, fewer jobs, and more risk for vulnerable road users who rely on safe, reliable public transportation.

• Hochul’s Congestion Pricing ‘Pause’ Will Cost Area Companies Billions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-24

Jun 28 - SUV struck a 63-year-old man crossing Giffords Lane. Impact broke and dislocated his leg and foot. He stayed conscious. No driver errors listed. The street marked another injury.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old man was crossing Giffords Lane outside an intersection when a westbound SUV making a left turn struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'unspecified' as the contributing factor for both driver and pedestrian. The driver was licensed and operating a 2003 SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The data underscores the risk to pedestrians from turning vehicles, even when no specific driver error is cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737045 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - Two sedans traveling north collided on Richmond Avenue in Staten Island. The impact struck the center front end of one vehicle and the right rear bumper of the other. A 17-year-old female driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injuries.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Richmond Avenue near Scranton Avenue in Staten Island at 8:45 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling north when the collision occurred. The impact was to the center front end of a 2024 Acura sedan and the right rear bumper of a 2019 Ford sedan. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. A 17-year-old female driver in the Acura was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm. She was not ejected from the vehicle and was in shock following the crash. The Acura's airbags deployed, and the driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 3 - Two sedans collided on Hylan Boulevard. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. A woman suffered leg injuries and shock. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island at 9:45 PM. Aggressive driving or road rage caused the collision. The impact struck the left rear quarter panel of a 2023 Nissan and the center back end of a 2019 Subaru. A 42-year-old woman driving one sedan was injured in her knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock. She wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists aggressive driving as the primary driver error. No other contributing factors are cited. The crash highlights the risk posed by reckless driver actions on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 3 - A sedan ran a traffic control, struck a motor scooter on Katan Avenue. Two teens thrown, injured. Both suffered bruised legs and feet. System failed to protect. Metal met flesh. Pain followed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Katan Avenue in Staten Island collided head-on with a motor scooter heading west at 14:50. The crash ejected two 15-year-old boys from the scooter, leaving them with contusions to their knees, lower legs, and feet. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, highlighting a driver’s failure to obey signals or signs. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The scooter driver was unlicensed, but the report centers the crash on the disregard for traffic control. The teens were conscious but hurt. The system’s safeguards broke down at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723249 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 29 - A 63-year-old woman was injured crossing Amboy Road with the signal when a southbound sedan made a left turn and struck her. The impact caused contusions and upper leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, according to the police report.

At approximately 8:45 AM on Amboy Road near Keegans Lane in Staten Island, a 63-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal. According to the police report, a southbound 2011 Nissan sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was conscious and located at the intersection at the time of impact. There were no contributing factors listed for the pedestrian. The driver’s failure to yield during the left turn directly led to the collision and the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721348 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 24 - Assembly bill A 9877 seeks to kill congestion pricing. Sponsors want more MTA board seats and a forensic audit. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike. The car threat grows unchecked.

Assembly bill A 9877 was introduced on April 24, 2024. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to repeal congestion pricing, add a new MTA board seat for each city borough, and force a forensic audit of the MTA. The matter title reads: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Assembly Members Michael Tannousis (primary), Mike Reilly, Samuel Pirozzolo, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, and Alec Brook-Krasny sponsor the bill. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The bill ignores the deadly risk cars pose to New Yorkers outside vehicles.

• File A 9877, Open States, Published 2024-04-24