Latest news with #SafeStreets
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
N.Y.C. Horse-Drawn Carriage Crash Sparks Renewed Calls for Ban as 2 Operators Are Hospitalized
Two horse-drawn carriages collided in Central Park, hospitalizing both drivers and reigniting calls to ban the industry Though the horses weren't seriously hurt, advocacy groups like NYCLASS are citing the crash as proof that the practice is unsafe and outdated The crash follows a 2022 incident where a horse named Ryder collapsed in the street and later died, prompting a celebrity-backed petition to end carriage ridesA horse-drawn carriage collision is resurrecting a call to ban the transportation in N.Y.C. On Monday, May 26, two horse-drawn carriages rammed into each other in front of the 60th Street & East Drive marker in Central Park in New York City, hospitalizing the two carriage operators. According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE from the New York Police Department, one of the horses was startled and ran westbound towards 5th Avenue. The second horse was also startled and ran towards the northbound end of 60th Street. Both carriage operators "sustained minor injuries in an attempt to regain control of the horses," per the statement. "EMS transported both individuals to area hospitals." There are no reports on whether there were passengers in the carriages at the time of the incident. According to ABC News, the horses did not suffer any severe injuries and were back to work on the south end of Central Park later that evening. Though many city visitors enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides in N.Y.C., animal advocacy groups such as NYCLASS are citing this incident to support a citywide ban on horse-drawn carriage rides. Animal Legal Defense Fund, an organization that aims to enforce stronger anti-cruelty laws and the humane treatment of animals, has also led calls to end the use of horses in tourism work. In 2022, the organization petitioned to ban horse-drawn carriages in N.Y.C. after an elderly horse named Ryder collapsed in the street due to the overwhelming summer heat. An unnerving video of the incident quickly circulated, leading the Animal League Defense Fund to send a petition and letter to the New York City Council. 'Tragic outcomes for horses haunt New York City's history, as well as other cities across the country,' read the letter. 'Horses, carriage passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others are put at risk by this cruel and reckless industry. We say: No more.' Along with hundreds of others, the petition was also signed by notable names including Billie Eilish, her brother Finneas, Kaley Cuoco, Noah Cyrus, Joan Jett, Kesha, Joaquin Phoenix, Sarah Silverman, Christian Siriano, Hilary Swank, Justin Theroux, and Marisa Tomei. Just two months after his collapse, Ryder died. He was roughly 30 years old. "We are devastated to learn that Ryder has died. His horrific collapse, after years of abuse, inspired tens of thousands of people from across the globe to stand up to carriage horse industry cruelty," said Edita Birnkrant, executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, at the time. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "But make no mistake: this tragedy was not caused by an act of God — Ryder's death was the result of savage cruelty and greed. To make a profit, the horse carriage industry would have literally worked Ryder to death if it weren't for viral videos and the people who exposed their endless lies and cover-ups. Their mistreatment of Ryder is the reason he is dead two months later." Read the original article on People
Chicago Tribune
29-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chesterton awards contract for Town Hall to firm that built police station
The construction firm that built Chesterton's police station will be the contractor for the remodeling of the Town Hall and fire station. Chesterton's Town Council Monday awarded the contract to Larson-Danielson Construction of LaPorte for $3,370,500 after the company was found to have the lowest and best bid out of four construction firms that submitted proposals. Larson-Danielson last year built the police station across the street at 8th and Broadway. Town Council members said they were happy with the bids, which came in under an expected $4 million price. The scope of the project grew because of a decision that more remodeling work needed to be done with the fire station. The updating of the Town Hall will improve its acoustics and aesthetics along with upgrading the technology. The Town Hall's interior will be reconfigured so the dais will be moved to the north side. The window on the east side of the building will be removed as part of an effort to lessen the noise from passing trains. New bathrooms will be built in the foyer area. A 703-square-foot community room that will be available to the public will be created from space formerly used by the police department's detective bureau. Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher, I-Dist. 5s, said the community room will fill a need as she has already heard from people who are interested in using it. On the fire station side, a two-story addition of 1,730 square feet will be built toward the back of the building. That addition will allow for an internal reconfiguration with enhanced living quarters, dedicated office spaces for the chief and the two deputy chiefs and a 592-square-foot training room. The council's next step will be to obtain a bond to finance construction. Last year the town expanded the Tax Increment Financing District to include the Town Hall and fire station at the corner of 8th Street and Broadway. The town will be able to use property tax revenues collected within the district to pay off the bonds. In other business, the council decided to suspend its efforts to pursue a federal safe streets grant because of future uncertainty with the town's revenue due to the state legislature's recent passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1. The legislation provides property tax reform and a break for homeowners, but local governments and schools say it will financially impact their operations. Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Udvare said she will have a detailed report soon on what the financial effect will be in the coming years. Council at its April 14 meeting authorized Tina Rongers, the town's grant consultant, to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets program for a $180,000 grant. If the town was successful in obtaining the grant, it could help with traffic safety issues at the railroad crossings. 'Given the significant impact that Senate Bill 1 may have on funding priorities and the lack of clarity surrounding its impact on next year's budget, it is prudent to pause activities on this grant until more definitive information becomes available,' said Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2nd. Councilman James Ton, R-Dist. 1, concurred that the suspension was a 'wise move' at this time. Council also: *Approved an agreement with Porter County to share in the repaving costs for Babcock Road from County Road 1050 N to the Gulfview subdivision. Chesterton will pay $79,824.10 of the total $167,180.40 cost. *Heard a request from Justine Carlotta for a wildlife crossing sign on South Calumet Road between Westchester and Jefferson avenues. She said there is a 'wildlife corridor' on the road for beavers, ducks, possums and deer that live in the nearby woods. She said that last week, a duck was fatally struck by a truck. The council referred the matter to the Street Department to investigate.
Chicago Tribune
15-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chesterton addressing pedestrian safety at main railroad crossing
Chesterton is taking steps to enhance pedestrian safety for the Calumet Road railroad crossing in the downtown as a new parking lot is being developed nearby. The Town Council Monday awarded a contract for $28,700 to the Lochmueller Group for the design of a pedestrian crossing improvement at the Calumet Road tracks. Concerns have been raised about pedestrian safety around the town's railroad crossings after a bicyclist's recent death at the Calumet Road crossing on Feb. 28. It was the third death at a Chesterton railroad crossing since May 9, 2023. The town is currently developing a parking lot on Grant Street by the North Calumet Road corner, which will open in July. Those who attend the European Market, held every Saturday May through October, are likely to use the lot and the town wants to ensure pedestrian safety of those who will cross the tracks. Assistant Town Engineer Matt Gavelek said the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing would be surveyed this week. The town put out a request for proposals and Lochmueller was the lowest bidder. Gavelek said the engineer assigned by Lochmueller is highly qualified and has 25 years of experience in designing transportation intersections. Council also authorized Tina Rongers, the town's grant consultant, to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets program for a $180,000 grant. Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher, R-5th, said if the town is successful in obtaining the grant, it could help with traffic safety issues at the railroad crossings. Chesterton and the neighboring Porter recently submitted a joint proposal to U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, for a community project federal grant for up to $5.5 million that would address nine railroad crossings along a 1.14-mile corridor. In other business, the town has received proposals from five law firms that are interested in the contract for the town's legal work. The Harris, Welsh and Lukmann law firm, which has represented the town for the past 45 years, is one of the five that has submitted a proposal, Fisher said. Chuck Lukmann, who was Chesterton's town attorney for 45 years, announced on Feb. 24 that he was stepping aside because he is slowing down his practice. Connor Nolan is now the town attorney at every council meeting. Chuck Parkinson and Julie Paulson from the firm have also handled legal work for the town. The Town Council will be interviewing the candidates, starting on May 23. Fisher, who is an attorney herself, has stated that she wanted to see the town move toward a more fixed rate basis. Additionally, Councilman James Ton, R-1st, said the town should try again to see what can be done to improve the safety of the east-west crossing of Voyage Boulevard and North County Road 100 East at Indiana 49. Ton said there had been a previous meeting last year with Indiana Department of Transportation officials about that intersection and nothing resulted. He said he would like the town to arrange another meeting with INDOT to discuss the issues. The problem is motorists exiting Coffee Creek from Voyage Boulevard, and buses from the nearby Duneland Schools garage on County Road 100 East, regularly pull out onto Indiana 49, raising the potential for crashes. Ton said he believes there needs to be improved lighting, signage and some type of traffic signalization to make motorists aware. 'People are taking a real chance pulling out from either 100 or Voyage onto (Indiana) 49, ' Ton said. 'I don't see anything good happening. We need to revisit it.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Night Out in Topeka canceled, here's why
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Topeka organization is canceling an annual event to gather members of the community together as it tests the waters with a new initiative. Topeka's City Council voted to revise the Safe Streets 2025 budget on April 1, dropping it from $61,000 to around $45,000, a 25% downgrade. This comes after Topeka's Prevention and Resiliency Services (PARS) made the decision to stop hosting its annual National Night Out event. PARS is instead moving to host new 'Block Talks' as a replacement for the National Night Out that it previously held each year in August. The organization reports that its Block Talks will give communities the flexibility to make gatherings, events and conversations which are more tailored to their individual needs. This also means a reduction in PARS' budget as it the new Block Talks won't require as much funds as the National Night Out. National Night Out, in previous years, brought neighbors together to learn more about the community they lived in and get educated on how to recognize suspicious activity. Different National Night Out events featured things like fun yard games, car shows and more to give people a chance to get to know one another better. Lost Topeka neighborhood lost to time brought to life in film, art project A representative for the City of Topeka said there are plans to use the taxpayer dollars it was putting towards PARS to instead fund a city-run National Night Out event of its own. However, no concrete plans or date have been released yet for this. PARS cites numerous benefits associated with the switch to Block Talks, including allowing residents to have the independence to organize their own gatherings and focus on the issues which matter the most to their area. You can learn more about Block Talks by reaching out to PARS at info@ or by calling 785-266-8666. 'Hosting your own Block Talk is simple! You can gather neighbors to start small with a conversation or plan a larger event — it's entirely up to you. Our team is here to provide guidance, tools, and resources to help you organize and facilitate your Block Talk. This is more than just a new program—it's a commitment to community engagement that is responsive, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that when communities lead the way, everyone benefits.' PARS website excerpt Tariffs hit Lawrence bridal shop as dress prices rise For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Weld County launches new Safety Action Plan for roadways
DENVER (KDVR) — The Weld County Board of Commissioners announced in a press release that Weld County is launching its Safety Action Plan. The plan was introduced to help reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roadways in the county. The board said the plan underscores the county's commitment to enhancing transportation safety for all residents and visitors. Long-lost sisters to meet at DIA after discovering each other 70 years later 'Our primary goal is to ensure that every resident and visitor can travel safely throughout Weld County,' said Perry Buck, Weld County Commissioner Chair. 'The Safety Action Plan represents a collaborative effort, and we encourage community members to actively participate by providing feedback and sharing their insight, which will be helpful in ensuring our roads can meet demand now and in the future.' In 2023, Weld County received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The county then devised a plan centered on the Safe System Approach, which analyzes data in problem areas. This allowed the county to see the most dangerous areas and the frequency of crashes. Using the data and listening to the community and stakeholders, Weld County laid out a framework of 'actionable, measurable and innovative strategies' that can help determine where to enhance areas and how to make improvements. Several unincorporated parts of the county and several municipalities that will see change from the Safety Action Plan include: Dacono Eaton Evans Firestone Fort Lupton Frederick Gilcrest Hudson Keenesburg LaSalle Mead Milliken Pierce Platteville Severance Summit trails on 12 Colorado 14ers to be reconstructed and restored 'Safety and efficiency are elements we continually look at and strive for when making improvements to our transportation system,' said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works. 'The feedback we receive from this Safety Action Plan will strengthen our effort. By residents identifying issues and critical areas through an interactive map or written comments, we can determine effective measures for improvements to make roads safer, with the goal of continuing to work toward reducing serious injuries and fatalities.' More information about the Safety Action Plan can be found on the Weld County Safe Streets website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
