New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Jun 25, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 22 min
Summary
A hearing on 14 bills related to pedestrian infrastructure, traffic calming measures, jaywalking enforcement, cycling data reporting, and notification requirements before street changes. Discussions centered on improving pedestrian safety through proposals like raised crosswalks near schools, illuminated crosswalk signals, bollard installation policies, planted medians, transparency around traffic device requests, decriminalizing jaywalking to address disproportionate enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers, and requiring community notification before parking removal or bike lane additions. Debates arose over the potential burdens and logistics of certain mandates versus prioritizing pedestrian safety infrastructure. Features testimony from the NYC Department of Transportation, NYPD, advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers opens Transportation Infrastructure Committee meeting on Intersections, Sidewalks, and Pedestrian Safety
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers makes an opening statement for the Transportation Infrastructure Committee's oversight hearing focusing on the city's intersections, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety measures. - She mentions the …
0:00:46
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6 min
Council Member Joann Ariola introduces Intros 103 and 104
Council Member Joann Ariola opens the meeting by highlighting the need for increased transparency and community input from the Department of Transportation (DOT) before making changes to neighborhoods involving parking …
0:06:51
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170 sec
Council Member Julie Menin introduces Intro 301
Council Member Julie Menin opens the hearing by highlighting the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in New York City. - She cites several recent fatal pedestrian crashes involving children …
0:09:47
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150 sec
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse introduces Intro 346
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse opens the discussion on decriminalizing jaywalking in New York City, highlighting the disproportionate impact of current jaywalking laws on communities of color. - She emphasizes the …
0:12:29
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3 min
Council Member Amanda Farías introduces Intro 745
Council Member Amanda Farías opens the hearing by introducing her bill, intro 745, which requires the Department of Transportation to conduct an annual study on cycling activity in New York …
0:15:41
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94 sec
Council Member Nantasha Williams introduces Intro 468
Council Member Nantasha Williams calls for increased transparency and accountability within NYC's Department of Transportation regarding traffic control devices and speed reducers. - She advocates for legislation mandating the DOT …
0:17:24
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152 sec
Council Member Oswald Feliz introduces bill Operation Green NYC
Council Member Feliz explains his bill to convert street medians into green spaces. - The bill requires converting a minimum of 3 miles of street medians per borough per year …
0:20:05
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87 sec
Council Member Lynn Schulman introduces Intro 95
Council Member Brooks-Powers reads a statement from Council Member Lynn Schulman. Council Member Schulman emphasizes that Intro 95 mandates the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on installing …
0:21:32
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153 sec
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers introduces Intro 144
Council Member Brooks-Powers introduces legislation requiring the NYC Department of Transportation to develop guidelines for installing barriers in high pedestrian traffic areas during sidewalk repairs or construction. - The bill …
0:24:07
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49 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, Opens Her Testimony on New York City's Work to Enhance Intersections, Sidewalks, and Pedestrian Safety
Margaret Forgione testifies about the NYC Department of Transportation's efforts to improve intersections, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety in New York City. - She is joined by other DOT officials and …
0:26:06
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108 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 79 Requiring Study and Installation of Pedestrian Lighting on Commercial Corridors
Forgione explains DOT's position on Intro 79, which would require studying lighting levels and installing pedestrian lighting on 500 commercial corridors per year. - DOT recognizes the importance of street …
0:27:55
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179 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 95 and the feasibility of installing raised crosswalks, raised intersections, and speed reducers near schools
Forgione explains the NYC Department of Transportation's ongoing efforts to enhance safety at intersections near schools by installing speed reducers, raised crosswalks, and other traffic calming measures. - DOT has …
0:30:55
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3 min
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 103 and requiring DOT to notify community boards and council members before removing parking spaces
Forgione argues that a bill requiring DOT to give 15 days notice before removing parking spaces would be overly burdensome. - DOT issues around 2,800 construction permits per business day, …
0:33:57
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79 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 104 and DOT's consultation with FDNY for open streets, bike lanes, and major transportation projects
Margaret Forgione explains DOT's process for consulting with FDNY on open street applications, bike lane projects, and major transportation projects. - DOT already consults with FDNY's Bureau of Operations Planning …
0:35:17
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88 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 144 and the installation of bollards at sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps
Forgione explains the city's stance on a bill that would require installing bollards at reconstruction sites for sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps, and studying their efficacy in high pedestrian …
0:36:48
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100 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 301 and the efficacy of solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks
Forgione expresses concerns about the efficacy of solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks as proposed in a bill. - The NYC DOT has tested illuminated stop signs and rectangular flashing …
0:38:30
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96 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 346 and Legalizing Jaywalking and Pedestrian Safety Concerns
Margaret Forgione expresses concerns about legalizing jaywalking, which could have deadly consequences, as over the last 5 years, 34% of pedestrian fatalities were due to mid-block crossing or crossing against …
0:40:08
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94 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 468 and making speed reducer and traffic control device requests available and searchable on DOT's website
Forgione states that DOT already has a page on its website where people can check the status of speed reducer and traffic control device requests. - Users can go to …
0:41:44
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41 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 504 and prioritizing sidewalk repairs near senior housing developments
Forgione explains that the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for repairing sidewalks outside of NYCHA housing developments. - DOT budgets $4 million per year for sidewalk repairs - …
0:42:27
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87 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 542, the proposed bill requiring DOT to issue traffic study determinations within 60 days of requests from Council Members and Community Boards
Forgione explains DOT's concerns with the proposed 60-day traffic study determination requirement for requests from Council Members and Community Boards. - DOT received over 3,000 traffic study requests last year …
0:43:55
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98 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 663 regarding news rack requirements
Margaret Forgione expresses the NYC Department of Transportation's support for reforms to news rack requirements and placement. - Intro 663 would repeal current news rack requirements - The bill would …
0:45:35
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17 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 745 and the proposed annual cycling study and data tracking by DOT
Forgione explains DOT's current practices for tracking cycling data and activity in NYC. - DOT already publishes cycling ridership and activity data on their website and through open data - …
0:45:54
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93 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 746 and modifying vacant paved medians to enhance resiliency through vegetation and stormwater management infrastructure
Forgione explains that the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) supports the intent of a bill to modify vacant paved medians by planting vegetation or adding stormwater management infrastructure. - The …
0:47:29
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155 sec
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Transportation on Intro 773 and DOT's coordination efforts and procedures for issuing notices of violation for sidewalk defects
Forgione explains DOT's position on Intro 773, which would require DOT to check if sidewalk repairs are already planned before issuing notices of violation for defects. - DOT already coordinates …
0:50:06
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119 sec
Has DOT previously studied or relied on third-party studies regarding the use of bollards?
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks if the Department of Transportation (DOT) has conducted or utilized external studies related to bollards. - DOT clarifies that for security-related bollard placements, they rely on …
0:52:09
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118 sec
What are the different types of bollards and their safety purposes?
Monty Dean explains the various types of bollards used by the NYC Department of Transportation and their respective safety functions. - Security bollards are designed to prevent vehicles traveling at …
0:54:08
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54 sec
What factors does the Department of Transportation consider when installing bollards?
The Department of Transportation considers protecting pedestrian islands from turning vehicles and preventing unauthorized parking in pedestrian areas when installing non-security bollards. - Bollards are installed to safeguard pedestrian islands …
0:55:02
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29 sec
How many bollard requests does the Department of Transportation (DOT) receive annually and what percentage of these requests are fulfilled?
The Department of Transportation does not have the exact number of annual bollard requests readily available. Many requests are for private properties and require assessment by the New York Police …
0:55:33
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47 sec
What is DOT's stance on using light or medium duty bollards?
The council member asks whether DOT has studied the use of light or medium duty bollards. The DOT director explains that these types of bollards, referred to as Martello or …
0:56:22
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30 sec
What is the status on the installation of the 1,500 bollards that were funded in 2018?
The council member asks about the $50 million allocated to the DOT in 2018 for installing 1,500 bollards, and whether that target was met. The DOT director states that the …
0:56:53
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71 sec
What is the cause of the disparity in jaywalking tickets issued to Black and Latino New Yorkers?
Deputy Chief Thomas Alps acknowledges the data showing a disproportionate issuance of jaywalking tickets to Black and Latino communities. - He explains that an analysis found jaywalking summonses are not …
0:58:05
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11 min
What percentage of pedestrian crossings constitute jaywalking and how often does it occur?
The First Deputy Commissioner states that within the last 5 years, 200 fatalities involved jaywalking, which is 34% of all pedestrian fatalities. Jaywalking is defined as crossing mid-block, not at …
1:09:47
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63 sec
Were there really only 450 jaywalking incidents last year?
The council member questions the low number of jaywalking summonses issued by the NYPD in the previous year, suggesting disbelief at the figure of only 450 incidents. - The DOT …
1:10:50
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27 sec
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers notes that Jaywalking enforcement disproportionately impacts black and brown communities
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions whether the Jaywalking law actually deters the behavior, and raises concerns about its disproportionate enforcement against black and brown New Yorkers. - She cites data showing …
1:11:19
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64 sec
Is there evidence that jaywalking laws deter the act, and how do they disproportionately impact Black and Brown New Yorkers?
Officials explain that while jaywalking should not be completely legalized for safety reasons, jaywalking laws are rarely enforced except against Black and Brown New Yorkers. - The NYC Department of …
1:12:23
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162 sec
What would decriminalizing jaywalking and making it a civil penalty do to reduce discriminatory stops?
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers questions whether decriminalizing jaywalking and making it a civil penalty instead of a criminal offense would result in fewer discriminatory stops by police. - Deputy …
1:15:06
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66 sec
What steps are being taken to address the high numbers of jaywalking summonses issued to minority communities?
The council member expresses concern over the disproportionately high number of jaywalking summonses issued to minorities, citing a specific incident involving young men of color. The deputy chief acknowledges the …
1:16:12
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100 sec
What tools and approaches are used by NYPD officers to address jaywalking in different areas?
Officers use a combination of educational outreach and enforcement to address jaywalking. - Some precincts take an educational approach focused on outreach - Other precincts prioritize issuing citations for jaywalking …
1:17:53
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149 sec
Are more crashes caused by jaywalking in the middle of the block or at crosswalks? And does street design contribute to pedestrian-vehicle conflicts?
The council member asks if more crashes occur due to jaywalking in the middle of the block versus at crosswalks. - The deputy commissioner does not have that data readily …
1:20:24
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43 sec
Has the Department of Transportation considered public outreach campaigns to promote safer street crossings?
The First Deputy Commissioner says they have done some public campaigns in the past but acknowledges it is an excellent suggestion to look at doing something new.
1:21:08
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20 sec
Has the NYC Department of Transportation examined how other jurisdictions have legalized jaywalking to prioritize pedestrian safety?
The First Deputy Commissioner states that one unit at the NYC Department of Transportation has looked into how other places like Virginia, Nevada, California, and Denver have legalized jaywalking in …
1:21:28
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30 sec
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers expresses concern over disproportionate traffic enforcement on constituents of color
Council Member Brooks-Powers expresses concern over disproportionate traffic enforcement against Hispanics in the 115th Precinct. - She notes that 92% of traffic tickets were issued to Hispanics who comprise 63% …
1:21:59
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44 sec
What communication takes place between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and NYCHA regarding sidewalk complaints on NYCHA properties?
The DOT inspects and temporarily addresses sidewalk defects on NYCHA properties when receiving complaints, then works with NYCHA to schedule permanent repairs. - When DOT receives a complaint about a …
1:22:45
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55 sec
What is the condition of sidewalks outside of NYCHA developments and why are they not properly maintained?
The Deputy Commissioner explains that NYCDOT is generally aware of sidewalk conditions on NYCHA property. - NYCDOT responds to complaints about specific properties more quickly. - Each year, NYCDOT works …
1:23:54
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62 sec
What would it take for DOT to get sidewalks outside of new developments in good condition?
The Deputy Commissioner states they would need to get back to the Council Member with the details on what it would take to get sidewalks outside new developments back in …
1:25:01
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15 sec
What reports or analyses does the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) provide on cycling and bike usage in the city?
The DOT provides extensive information on cycling in NYC on its website. - The DOT collects cycling data itself using sensors and counts. - It also gets cycling counts from …
1:25:24
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116 sec
Council Member Amanda Farías responds to DOT's stance on cycling data and resources
Council Member Farías expresses desire for a centralized, comprehensive resource on cycling data and initiatives. - She wants a 'one-stop' document compiling cycling data and information - She acknowledges the …
1:27:21
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64 sec
Council Member Amanda Farías on jaywalking
Council Member Farías expresses concerns about pedestrian safety and jaywalking enforcement. - She appreciates data analysis showing jaywalking enforcement in an area with high pedestrian fatalities - Farías notes that …
1:28:25
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91 sec
How are incidents of alleged jaywalking involving interactions with the public reviewed?
The deputy chief explains that body camera footage is reviewed to ensure interactions are within guidelines. - Officers' supervisors and integrity control officers regularly review body camera footage from officers …
1:29:56
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115 sec
Council Member Amanda Farías comments on the jaywalking intro
Amanda Farías, the Majority Leader of the NYC City Council, requests that council members speak with the prime sponsor of the jaywalking bill and incorporate detailed data on jaywalking enforcement …
1:31:51
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104 sec
Council Member Oswald Feliz opens his questions on the Green NYC Intro
Council Member Feliz questions why lower-income neighborhoods lack green street medians compared to wealthier areas. - He cites his bill requiring the city to convert street medians into green spaces …
1:33:49
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79 sec
What is the cost to convert an existing paved median into greenery?
The First Deputy Commissioner explains that the cost varies based on project details like road width, underground utilities, and coordination between agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and …
1:35:16
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88 sec
Council Member Oswald Feliz expresses frustration on inequities in neighborhood development
The council member argues that there is an inequity in how different neighborhoods are developed and treated in New York City. - He uses the example of Fordham Road, a …
1:36:44
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33 sec
What is the status of new street infrastructure and greenery in New York City?
The NYC Department of Transportation has been working on various capital projects involving new streets, sidewalks and medians, some of which include greenery. - The DOT has completed or is …
1:37:23
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68 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola opens her questions
Council Member Ariola expresses disbelief that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is not fully supportive of any of the 14 bills discussed. - She accuses DOT of operating in a …
1:38:45
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27 sec
How many notifications about repaving, resurfacing, speed bumps, and other similar projects are sent to community boards and council members monthly?
The NYC Department of Transportation does not provide a specific number on monthly notifications to community boards and council members regarding repaving, resurfacing, speed bumps, and similar projects. - DOT …
1:39:12
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122 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola responds to the DOT's answer
Council Member Ariola argues that communities deserve advance notification before the installation of new street infrastructure like bike racks and bike lanes. - She says it's not City Council members …
1:41:14
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36 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola comments on DOT's response to Intro 104
Council Member Ariola questions why emergency vehicles sometimes have difficulty accessing streets due to obstructions or poor notification of road changes. - She asks why fire trucks sometimes need to …
1:41:50
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150 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens his questions with remarks
Council Member Restler opens his questioning by stating the importance of improving sidewalk lighting for safer, healthier, and more economically vibrant communities. - He cites a Chicago study that found …
1:44:23
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48 sec
What percentage of sidewalks on commercial corridors are adequately lit?
The NYC Department of Transportation does not have readily available data on the percentage of commercial corridor sidewalks that are adequately lit across the city. - The DOT conducts annual …
1:45:15
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37 sec
What is the timeframe for installing new street lighting after an area is identified as needing better lighting?
The First Deputy Commissioner explains that installing new street lights can take several years after an area is determined to need better lighting. - There are different processes for installing …
1:45:53
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61 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler remarks on street lighting and traffic safety
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses frustration that promised street lighting improvements have been delayed for over two years in some areas. - Restler says the lack of adequate lighting on …
1:46:54
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43 sec
What is the effect of street light proximity on nighttime pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries?
The council member inquires about the relationship between the distance to closer street lighting and the frequency of pedestrians being killed or severely injured at night. - The Department of …
1:47:37
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33 sec
What actions is the NYC Department of Transportation taking to prevent pedestrian deaths and improve safety?
The NYC Department of Transportation has improved lighting at thousands of intersections to eliminate darkness on sidewalks and crosswalks in high crash or high concern areas. - They have installed …
1:48:09
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34 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler concludes his questions with closing remarks
Council Member Restler emphasizes the need for comprehensive tracking and goal-setting for lighting commercial corridors and improving pedestrian safety. - He argues the city does not have appropriate goals for …
1:48:44
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78 sec
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher opens his questions on news rack regulations and commemorates Lori Felsher, victim of traffic violence
Council Member Bottcher opens the hearing by commemorating Lori Felsher, who was tragically killed by an SUV in Greenwich Village, underscoring the need for improved street safety measures. - He …
1:50:17
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167 sec
What are DOT's concerns regarding the proposed newsbox maintenance legislation?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) supports having standardized news racks placed appropriately on streets and sidewalks. - DOT agrees on the need for guidelines on news rack types and placement. …
1:53:05
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148 sec
Does the administration support involving the mayor's office of ethnic and community media in the rule promulgation process for the legislation?
The council member asks the deputy commissioner if the administration supports the legislation that requires involving the mayor's office of ethnic and community media in the rule promulgation process. The …
1:55:34
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27 sec
What is the average number of revocable consent ballard requests received from private entities per year?
The NYC Department of Transportation receives about 5 revocable consent ballard requests from private entities per year on average. - These requests are generally for buildings or private sites, not …
1:56:13
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17 sec
What is the breakdown of jaywalking incidents between mid-block and intersections?
The first deputy commissioner states that jaywalking incidents are roughly evenly split between mid-block and intersections.
1:56:31
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7 sec
What were the pedestrian fatality rates in Denver and Virginia compared to New York City?
The First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation explains that Denver and Virginia experienced increases in pedestrian fatalities. Denver had its highest number of pedestrian fatalities ever in …
1:56:39
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20 sec
Elizabeth Adams, Interim Co-Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, on Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety and Supporting Pedestrian-Friendly Legislation
Elizabeth Adams testified on the need for New York City to make urgent investments in pedestrian infrastructure to become the most walkable city in the world. - She advocated for …
1:59:36
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131 sec
Natalie Peeples, Director of Youth Justice Policy and Training at the Legal Aid Society, on the Disproportionate Impact of Jaywalking Enforcement on Black Youth
Peeples highlights statistics showing that in 2023, 80% of youths under 18 who were ticketed for jaywalking were Black. A 2022 study in the Journal of Developmental Psychology found that …
2:01:56
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97 sec
Robin Felsher, Member of Families for Safe Streets, on the Pedestrian Safety Crisis and Need for Legislative Action in New York City
Robin Felsher, a member of Families for Safe Streets, delivers an emotional testimony about the pedestrian public safety emergency plaguing New York City. She recounts the tragic loss of her …
2:03:42
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145 sec
William Medina, Delivery Worker from the Worker Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos, on Safety Measures for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Delivery Workers in New York City
William Medina, a delivery worker and member of the Worker Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos, testifies before the NYC City Council about the need for improved safety measures for …
2:06:17
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135 sec
Matthew Choi, Representative of Open Plans, on Promoting People-First Street Culture and Safety Measures Around Schools
Matthew Choi testified on behalf of Open Plans, an organization promoting a people-first street culture where public streets are critical. He supports several bills on the agenda, except for Intro …
2:08:36
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135 sec
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers comments on the bill that covers engaging with the FDNY
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers explains the need for better coordination between the Department of Transportation and the FDNY to ensure timely emergency responses. - She cites examples in Rockaway …
2:10:51
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83 sec
Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, on Street Safety Measures and Proposed Legislation for Pedestrians and Cyclists in NYC
McClure testifies on the need to improve street safety for vulnerable street users like pedestrians and cyclists in NYC. - He cites statistics on pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, many occurring …
2:12:59
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3 min
Diana Maurer, Member of the Public, on Regulating and Maintaining News Racks in New York City
Maurer expresses frustration over the lack of enforcement of existing regulations for news racks in NYC regarding identification and maintenance. - She states that a 2003 regulation requiring news racks …
2:17:09
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143 sec
Glenn Kotowski, Member of the Public, on Thanking the Council for Addressing Disability Issues
A member of the public thanks the city council and staff for the extensive legislation being considered that day relating to disability issues. - He commends the large scope of …
2:19:53
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38 sec
Alan Monimen, Member of the Public, on Street Safety, Traffic Fatalities, Fire Safety, and Proposed Bills
A member of the public expresses views on various proposed bills. - Supports bills 346,144, 195 - Strongly opposes bill 103 and 104 aimed at slowing street safety improvements - …
2:20:42
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47 sec