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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Philip Leff, Queens Resident and Parent, on Intro 1138 for Universal Daylighting
2:34:18
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93 sec
Philip Leff, a Queens resident and parent, testifies in support of Intro 1138, which would implement universal daylighting in New York City. He argues that clearing intersections of parked cars is common sense and will improve safety for pedestrians, especially children.
- Leff draws parallels between protecting children from guns and poison to protecting them from being hit by cars.
- He cites New York state law (Law 1202) that already prohibits parking within 20 feet of an intersection.
- Leff criticizes those who prioritize parking spaces over the lives of their neighbors.
Philip Leff
2:34:18
Good afternoon to the members of the city council and those attending.
2:34:23
It's obvious.
2:34:24
We should make it more difficult to shoot children.
2:34:27
There's no debate.
2:34:28
We should make it more difficult to poison children.
2:34:32
That's also obvious.
2:34:33
There's no debate.
2:34:35
But here today in the city council, we are engaging in a debate about whether we should make it more difficult for people to run children over with their cars.
2:34:44
I'm Philip Leff, a lifelong New Yorker, currently a Queen's dad.
2:34:49
I'm testifying in support of intro 11:38 because I don't want my child, myself, or anyone else to get hit by a car while crossing the street.
2:34:57
It's a matter of common sense that clearing intersections of parked cars will improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike.
2:35:04
More time and space to see, especially little ones, and more time to slow down and react.
2:35:11
It's also a New York state law, that's law 12 o two, that you can't park within 20 feet of an intersection.
2:35:18
But some people who made laws in New York City value a parking space more than lives of their neighbors.
2:35:24
And unfortunately, some of the testimony we heard today, that still continues.
2:35:29
The passage of intro eleven thirty eight, we can undo the grave moral mistakes of the past and build a city that is safer for everyone who crosses the street.
2:35:37
Let's resolve our debate with the obvious answer.
2:35:41
You to council member Wan for introducing this life saving legislation, chair Brooks Powers for holding this hearing, and to the cosponsors of Intro eleven thirty eight for supporting a safer city.
2:35:51
Thank you.