April 29, 2025,
WHEREAS, Manhattan Young Democrats is committed to the safety of New Yorkers and aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, in alignment with the traffic safety goals of Vision Zero; and,
WHEREAS, in the last 5 years in New York City, there have been an approximate 250 annual recorded traffic fatalities and countless injuries, with 55 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 79 percent of pedestrian injuries occurring at traffic intersections; and
WHEREAS, universal daylighting, which restricts parking within 20 feet of an intersection by using curb extensions or other permanent structures, slows turning vehicles, emphasizes the right of way of crossing pedestrians, shortens crossing distance, and improves the ability of crossing pedestrians and drivers to see each other significantly, reducing injuries and death caused by collisions; and
WHEREAS, compliance with New York State Law §1202 requires universal daylighting except in New York City; and
WHEREAS, New York State S9769/A9985A would remove New York City’s exemption from NYS Law §1202 requiring universal daylighting; and
WHEREAS, New York City Int. 1138 would require universal daylighting throughout New York City.
THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT the Manhattan Young Democrats supports the passage of New York City Int. 1138 and New York State S9769/A9985A; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Manhattan Young Democrats urges relevant stakeholders including government officials, community organizations, and the public to take any and all steps to assist in the realization of universal daylighting throughout New York City.