Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michael Magazine, Lead of Elected Partnerships at Sunrise Movement New York City
3:26:51
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122 sec
Michael Magazine, representing Sunrise Movement NYC and Fridays for Future, testified in support of Intro 1138 for universal daylighting. He emphasized the deadly nature of intersections in NYC and the disproportionate impact of traffic violence on youth.
- Highlighted that over half of traffic fatalities and 70% of injuries occur at intersections
- Cited the case of Kamari Hughes, a 7-year-old killed by an NYPD tow truck in October 2023
- Argued that universal daylighting would improve safety, air quality, and help combat climate change impacts
Michael Magazine
3:26:51
Cool.
3:26:52
Good afternoon, I'm Michael Magazine.
3:26:54
I am the lead of elected partnerships with Sunrise Movement New York City and a youth climate organizer with Fridays for Future.
3:27:01
I'm here in support of council member Juan's intro 11:38.
3:27:05
I want to remind us all that around this time last year was one of the deadliest since vision zero.
3:27:10
Contrary to perception, it's not our subways but our intersections that are among the deadliest places to be in this city.
3:27:16
With over half of every traffic fatality and about seven in ten traffic injuries happening at intersections.
3:27:23
In a city as densely populated as ours, it's one car's worth of visibility that spells the difference between a safe turn or the tragic death of two hundred and fifty three people.
3:27:34
This traffic violence mind you is disproportionately a youth issue.
3:27:39
Children who are in strollers or crossing the street from school rely upon drivers' visibility to stay safe.
3:27:46
When that's absent, we see tragedy.
3:27:48
We see youth like Kamari Hughes, a seven year old struck down by an NYPD tow truck back in October of twenty twenty three.
3:27:56
Is it suddenly vision good enough?
3:27:58
Vision some kids can die?
3:28:00
From DOT's earlier testimony, it seems like we are centuries away from vision zero.
3:28:06
New York City needs to be exceptional, not exempt.
3:28:09
With universal daylighting, our streets set drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians up for safety.
3:28:15
Safety as increasing visibility, calming traffic, shortening the crossing distance, and slowing turning vehicles to name a few.
3:28:22
And success as in improving air quality and public space where we pair daylighting with rain gardens and other green infrastructure, which is an important benefit as this city rapidly seeks ways to combat impacts of climate change.
3:28:35
As a proven policy measure that is efficient, effective, and endorsed by council members, community orgs, agencies, state representatives, cities, counties, and 40 states, this is a no brainer.
3:28:47
I, alongside the Sunrise Movement of New York City and Fridays for Future, say yes to Intro 1138.
3:28:52
Thank you.