A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in the tri-state region and beyond.

WINNERS

Stamford Mayor David Martin – The Mayor testified before the US Senate this week to emphasize “the importance of rail to the economic vitality of the region and the critical need for federal investment in our rail infrastructure,” asking for financial support for the Metro North New Haven Line, which is seeing increased ridership alongside increased service disruptions and delays.

New Jersey Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer – The Garden State is the only state in the Northeast without a safe passing law, but hopefully not for long. A bill (A1577/A1600), introduced by Assemblymember Spencer, that would require drivers to allow four feet of clearance from cyclists or pedestrians when passing, was approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee this past week.

Manhattan Plaza pedestrians – Nearly seven years after an initial request for updated pedestrian improvements to the intersection was made by Manhattan Plaza senior citizens and families, a new pedestrian signal system was installed at Ninth Avenue and 43rd Street to protect pedestrians from cars making left turns.

Albany Common Council – The Council voted 10-5 this week in support of a home rule message to add red light cameras to 20 intersections throughout the city. The resolution was passed quickly in the hopes of securing state approval of the measure before the end of the legislative session.

LOSERS

New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals – In an ironic turn of events, now the town’s zoning board is concerned that the Route 34 West plan – which is basically all parking – isn’t providing enough parking.

US Senate Republicans – The EXPIRE Act, which would expand existing transit benefits and give new benefits to Citi Bike members, has been held up by a Republican procedural vote in the US Senate.