Rozic, Liu Address Dangerous Car Takeovers At Fresh Meadows Church With New Reckless Driving Law

Fresh Meadows, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, State Senator John Liu, and civic leaders gathered today at the Holy Family Catholic Church parking lot in Fresh Meadows, where cars have for years after hours and late at night for ‘sideshows,’ in which drivers perform reckless burnouts and donuts before crowds of spectators, to celebrate the passage of their legislation to crack down on these dangerous activities. The church was recently forced to install a gate to barricade the parking lot after hours. 

Last week, Governor Hochul signed into law their bill, S760/A402, prohibiting reckless driving in parking lots and allowing for greater enforcement by local authorities. This new law aims to make parking lots safer for both drivers and pedestrians by curbing reckless driving behaviors. 

The bill was introduced by Liu and Rozic in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to an increase in extreme and reckless driving in area parking lots. Residents reported groups of cars speeding across the neighborhood from parking lot to parking lot to perform dangerous stunts, often late at night. The new law adds “parking lots” to the definition of reckless driving, allowing for such displays to be enforced by local law enforcement as a misdemeanor charge.

This new law will allow police to react quickly and decisively when these dangerous popup takeovers arise so that those responsible face consequences for endangering public safety. 

State Senator John Liu, stated, “As we have seen too often here at Holy Family Church, and all across New York, car takeovers in parking lots, where drivers engage in reckless speeding, donuts, and burnouts, put lives and property at great risk. This new law will allow police to react quickly and decisively when these dangerous popup takeovers arise so that those responsible face consequences for endangering public safety.  Many thanks to our community civic associations, local businesses, and church family here at Holy Family, who have been staunch advocates on behalf of our community and have had a great effect at getting this legislation signed into law.”

State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic stated, “With the signing of this legislation, we are taking a huge step in curbing reckless driving and dangerous car takeovers that have put our community at risk for far too long. This law empowers law enforcement to address illegal drag racing and stunts in parking lots—activities that have caused a rise in crashes and injuries across New York City. Thank you to my colleagues in the Legislature, our esteemed community leaders, and Governor Hochul for making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”

Rev. Sean M. Suckiel, Pastor of Holy Family, stated, “Over the last several years, there has been an increase in the number of cars doing donuts in the parking lot at Holy Family. It is dangerous and a nuisance to us and our neighbors. Last month, we had to install gates to close the parking lot because it was getting out of control. Reckless driving needs to stop.”

Martha Taylor, Chair of Community Board 8, stated, “These reckless drivers aren’t just damaging property, they’re putting the lives of innocent people in danger. Our community has had enough, and this law is a meaningful step forward. Getting this law signed is a great example of our entire community working together to make Fresh Meadows a safer place for everyone.”

Sol Sturm, President of the Fresh Meadows Tenant Association, stated, “Our Fresh Meadows Tenants Association appreciates the efforts of Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Senator John Liu, who guided their parking lot safety bills through their respective State chambers. With Governor Hochul signing this bill into law, people of all ages who frequent shopping centers will be safer. It will be a relief in the shopping centers in our development to know that we can have the benefit of public law enforcement on this “private property.”

Maria DeInnocentiis, President of Utopia Civic Association, stated, “I am thankful for the work done by Senator Liu and Assemblywoman Rozic in getting this legislation passed. They work for their constituents and listen to our concerns. This bill goes a long way in giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our community safe. Thanks to all who advocated in support of this important bill.”

Elaine Young, President West Cunningham Park Civic Association, stated, “Reckless driving throughout our community has exacerbated to the point that it is not just a nuisance but an extreme public safety hazard. Drivers going to private parking lots, such as the one at Holy Family Church have been very difficult for police to catch and the justice system to hold those culpable accountable for their crimes. This bill changes that and will result in greater safety in our community.  I would like to thank Assemblywoman Rozic and State Senator John Liu for their hard work in making this happen!”

Jill Harper, local resident and owner of Meadows Cafe, stated that for years she’s been kept awake by the nightly “terror” from drivers revving their engines as they make their way between parking lots in the neighborhood. Harper stated, “This is a potentially catastrophic, lethal situation that needs to be rectified. Our law enforcement has been tied up for too long, unable to actually tackle this issue. I have extreme gratitude for our elected officials including Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and State Senator John Liu for listening to their concerned constituents, diligently fighting on our behalf in Albany, making sure it gets to the Governor's desk and signed into law. Now our law enforcement can tackle this issue once and for all and rid our neighborhoods of this lawlessness.”