Velázquez Calls for Coordinated City Response to Illegal Street Racing in Ozone Park

NEW YORK–Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter calling on city agencies to work together to develop a coordinated response to illegal street racing and large-scale car meetups in Ozone Park. 

“These gatherings have grown in scale and intensity, posing risks to pedestrians, residents, and first responders alike,” Velázquez wrote. “It is critical that we take steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”

In the letter, Velázquez requests that the New York City Police Department and the Department of Transportation work together to identify proactive strategies to address the issue before it escalates and take into the unique needs of the impacted neighborhoods into account. 

The letter calls for a strategy that includes targeted enforcement, improved traffic management, and community engagement.

Velázquez also pointed to federal resources through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that may assist in making long-term street safety improvements in New York City. 

“The BIL awarded New York State over $29 billion including federal funds for transportation and roadway safety projects,” wrote Velázquez. “It is essential for the city to pursue this funding to execute these lifesaving improvements.”

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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