Jan 8 - Republican lawmakers blasted MTA chief Janno Lieber. They called for his resignation. They slammed the new $9 congestion toll. They dismissed claims of safer subways. They warned of more taxes. Riders and walkers remain caught in the crossfire.

""We are asking for something that we believe is very necessary for the well-being of the people of the state of New York, especially for those who live in the MTA region. We believe that under these circumstances it is very warranted."" -- Andrew Lanza

On January 8, 2025, Republican state legislators, including Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (District 9), held a press conference demanding the resignation of Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Janno Lieber. The lawmakers, joined by Senators Steven Rhoads and Bill Weber, criticized Lieber for 'losing the trust of commuters' and downplaying subway crime. They condemned the new $9 congestion pricing toll for Midtown, with Weber calling it 'tone deaf' and demanding repeal. The event summary reads: 'GOP pols push MTA boss to resign after brushing off transit crime as New York braces for even more taxes, fees.' The lawmakers oppose further taxes and fees to close the MTA’s $33 billion gap. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The debate leaves the city’s most exposed—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders—uncertain and unprotected.

• GOP pols push MTA boss to resign after brushing off transit crime as New York braces for even more taxes, fees, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-08

Dec 22 - Two SUVs collided on Arden Ave after one stopped in traffic. The rear vehicle, driven by a distracted driver speeding, struck the front vehicle’s center back end. A rear passenger suffered neck injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:36 a.m. on Arden Ave involving two SUVs traveling south. The front vehicle was stopped in traffic when the rear vehicle, driven by a licensed female driver, struck it at the center back end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the rear driver. A 46-year-old female rear passenger in the front vehicle was injured, suffering neck injuries consistent with whiplash and experiencing shock. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision caused center front end damage to the rear vehicle and center back end damage to the front vehicle. The police report highlights driver errors—distraction and unsafe speed—as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780477 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 19 - A 51-year-old woman suffered a head injury crossing at a marked crosswalk on Winant Ave. A pick-up truck making a left turn struck her despite the crosswalk. Glare and driver failure to yield right-of-way contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Winant Ave near Mason Blvd in Staten Island. The collision occurred at 8:30 AM when a 2023 Ford pick-up truck, traveling southeast and making a left turn, struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was conscious with a concussion. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the truck driver as a primary contributing factor, compounded by glare conditions. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The crash highlights driver error in yielding to pedestrians at intersections under challenging visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780198 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 16 - A Staten Island cop drove drunk from a precinct party. Her car hit another, airbags burst, blood spilled. Three fellow officers rode with her. All face discipline. Two more NYPD drunk-driving arrests followed. System failed. Streets paid.

NY Daily News (2024-12-16) reports that NYPD Officer Diana Todaro was arrested for driving while intoxicated after crashing her car with three colleagues as passengers. The crash happened at Huguenot Ave. and Drumgoole Ave. West, Staten Island, after a precinct holiday party. Todaro admitted, "I had three or four drinks. My life is over." The impact triggered airbags and left her with a forehead gash. All three passengers, also officers, were placed on desk duty and may face charges for allowing Todaro to drive or being unfit for duty. The article notes this was one of three NYPD DWI arrests in four days, highlighting a pattern during holiday party season. The incident raises questions about internal discipline and the risks posed by impaired driving, even among law enforcement.

• NYPD Officers Crash After Holiday Party, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-16

Dec 6 - A 71-year-old man crossing Huguenot Avenue was struck by an eastbound SUV making a left turn. The impact caused upper arm injuries and shock. The pedestrian was outside a crosswalk and no driver contributing factors were specified in the report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:55 on Huguenot Avenue in Staten Island. A 2024 Nissan SUV, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck a 71-year-old male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage there. The pedestrian suffered an upper arm injury and was reported in shock but had no visible complaints. The report lists the pedestrian's crossing location as 'Pedestrian Not at Intersection' and notes unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the data. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The report focuses on the collision dynamics without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777047 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 1 - A 33-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash after his sedan struck an object with its right front bumper. The crash, caused by driver inattention and distraction, left the driver conscious but injured late at night on Arthur Kill Road.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male driver was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Arthur Kill Road at 11:14 p.m. The driver, who was the sole occupant of a 2012 Nissan sedan traveling southeast, collided with an object impacting the vehicle's right front bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Animals Action' as contributing factors. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness but sustained neck injuries described as whiplash with an injury severity level of 3. The crash resulted from the driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to the collision. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 21 - Two sedans collided on Arthur Kill Road. Both drivers, men aged 70 and 86, suffered arm injuries. Airbags deployed. Lap belt and harness used. No pedestrians involved. Impact left both cars damaged and drivers hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 13:11 on Arthur Kill Road near W Service Road. A 2021 Mazda, heading west, went straight and struck a 1999 Volvo making a left turn southeast. Both drivers, men aged 70 and 86, were injured. The older driver suffered shoulder and upper arm abrasions; the younger had elbow, lower arm, and hand injuries with minor bleeding. The Mazda’s airbag deployed. The Volvo driver wore a lap belt and harness. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the danger of vehicle maneuvers at intersections and the injuries suffered by those inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773518 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 4 - A red Ferrari tore down Drumgoole Road West. It hit hard, metal folding. The unlicensed driver, just twenty-nine, was ejected and died on the street. The car’s front shattered. The road, suddenly, was silent.

According to the police report, a red Ferrari convertible traveling on Drumgoole Road West near Watkins Avenue crashed violently. The sole occupant, a 29-year-old male driver, was ejected from the vehicle and killed. The report states the vehicle’s front quarter panel crumpled on impact, leaving the scene silent and grim. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, and note the driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. The report lists no other vehicles or people involved. The data highlights the danger posed by excessive speed and unlicensed operation, both explicitly documented as driver errors in the official report. No mention is made of victim behavior contributing to the crash. The facts remain: speed and lack of a valid license led to deadly consequences.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752930 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

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 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 9 - An 11-year-old boy riding a bike was partially ejected and suffered a fractured shoulder after a right front bumper collision with an SUV traveling south on Annadale Road. The driver’s inattention caused the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 2021 SUV driven by a licensed female driver traveling south on Annadale Road struck an 11-year-old male bicyclist traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated shoulder injury, classified as injury severity 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving to vulnerable road users like child cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731703 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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 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