A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in the tri-state region and beyond.
WINNERS
New York State Senators Jack Martins, Rich Funke, John Bonacic, Marty Golden and Terrence Murphy — Senators Martins, Funke, Bonacic, Golden and Murphy called on Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan to include $20 million for bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the state budget.
Mount Vernon, NY Mayor Richard Thomas — Mayor Thomas is proposing a measure to allow municipalities to implement a local gas tax to fund local infrastructure projects.
New York City Council — City Council approved a zoning proposal which eliminates some parking minimums and, in its legislative agenda for the upcoming fiscal year, called for tolls on the East River bridges.
Citi Bike — Citi Bike winter ridership rose by 116 percent this past season.
PATCO riders — PATCO will run more frequent Saturday service starting on April 9.
LOSERS
New Jersey Assemblymember Declan O’Scanlon — Once again, Assemblymember O’Scanlon is “actively pursuing” raising the speed limit above 65 mph on New Jersey highways.
New York Assemblymember Maritza Davila — Assemblymember Davila said that bike lanes proposed for Bushwick’s Irving and Knickerbocker Avenues would create hazards for children and seniors and harm businesses.
New York City Law Department — The department claims that Felix Coss “knew or should have known” the “risks and dangers” of crossing a Williamsburg street when he was fatally struck by an on-duty NYPD officer while walking in a crosswalk and with the signal back in 2013.
Based on the linked article on the person killed by a police car while crossing the street in a crosswalk with the signal, I suggest a full investigation of the law department for aiding and abetting a felony. When crossing in a crosswalk legally is a depicted as a high risk endeavor where the victim was responsible for being hit is ludicrous on the face of it. Something stinks.