A GOOD START TO VISION ZERO Improvements Made Safest Streets In 104 Years Last Wednesday, Jan. 14, de Blasio and Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced that 2014 was the safest year for pedestrians since record keeping began in 1910. Overall traffic fatalities were down 15 percent from 2013 and pedestrian fatalities dropped 27 percent last year. “These streets are now safer by design. We are putting every tool we have—engineering, enforcement and education—to use in reaching Vision Zero,” de Blasio said. The changes made by Vision Zero included widened sidewalks, pedestrian refuge medians, protected bike lanes and narrower crossings at dangerous intersections. “This is about more than numbers. Vision Zero means parents can more safely cross the streets with their children, and seniors can walk their neighborhoods more easily. We’re approaching this second year of work with proof these methods work and expanding them to even more neighborhoods,” he continued. Building on 2014’s success, the city is launching a comprehensive community planning process for two of the city’s most dangerous roadways, Queens Boulevard and Linden Boulevard. The planning looks to develop redesigns that will reduce crashes along their entire length. “The redesigning of streets is TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 • 8 by Anthony Giudice Vision Zero, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan for ending traffic related fatalities, has seen major success over its first year, the administration claimed. -SEE ZERO ON PG. 55- Van Bramer Says ‘No No’ To Lulu Majority Leader Rejects $20K Council Stipend by Robert Pozarycki Looking to set an example, City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer declined a $20,000 stipend that came with his leadership post. Each City Council member receives a $112,500 annual salary, but legislators receive additional payments (also called lulus) for their service on committees or in ranking positions within the chamber. In past years, Van Bramer— who represents the 26th District based in Sunnyside—donated his lulus to charity, but this time around, the payment—along with his new post—was much greater. As majority leader, he is the second-highest ranking member of the City Council behind only City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Returning my $20,000 stipend as Majority Leader of the New York City Council is the right thing to do for me,” Van Bramer said in a statement to the Times Newsweekly on Tuesday, Jan. 20. “While donating the stipend to charity may be noble, not taking it at all is consistent with a pledge I made when I first ran for the City Council in 2009. I serve in government out of a desire to help others and to build up the people and the neighborhoods I serve. That is what drives me to work hard and it always will.” Thief Cuts Out Of Woodhaven Heist The man pictured at right is wanted by police for a recent robbery at a Woodhaven electronics store, it was reported. According to law enforcement sources, the incident took place at 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 2 inside a Radio Shack located at 92-11 Jamaica Ave. Reportedly, the suspect— described as a 30-year-old Hispanic male standing 5’9”-tall, weighing 160 lbs. and wearing blue jeans, a tan jacket and a brown hat—removed three pairs of Dr. Dre Beats headphones from the shelf and attempted to walk out of the shop. When an 18- year-old employee confronted him, police said, the crook slashed the worker with a pair of scissors, then fled the scene. Officers from the 102nd Precinct responded to the incident; the victim was treated for injuries not considered life-threatening. Anyone with information regarding the robbery that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. All calls and messages will be kept confidential. -SEE LULU ON PG. 55- No 7 Line Disruptions For Lunar New Year This year, for the first time, the 7 Line will be running at full capacity for two weekends during the Lunar New Year. The dates for this change are, Feb. 14-15 and Feb. 21-22. Making the announcement (pictured from left to right) are: Assemblyman Ron Kim; Senator Toby Ann Stavisky; Council Member Peter Koo; Executive Director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association Peter Tu; and Vice Presidents of the Korean American Association of Queens James Kim and JD Kim. LLeett TThhee Times Newsweekly CCllaassssiiffiieedd SSeeccttiioonn WWoorrkk FFoorr YYoouu CCaallll 11--771188--882211--77550000 MARK V. 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