WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. From the Mayor’s Office. September 12, 2020:
The White Plains Common
Council passed a package of legislation at its September 8th Council
meeting to address the problem of drag racing on city streets.
It is well known that the noise
associated with unlawful speed contests creates a nuisance and diminishes the
quality of life enjoyed by our residents. The races themselves are also dangerous,
not only to the participants but to bystanders and other vehicles legally using
the road.
In December of 2019 Mayor Roach had the opportunity to meet
with James Nolan. Mr. Nolan’s brother, Michael Nolan, was killed in a drive-by
shooting that stemmed from a drag race in which he was not participating. The
tragedy experienced by the Nolan family became the impetus for his campaign to
address the dangers of drag racing and the nuisance they cause in our
communities.
White Plains
Mayor Tom Roach said, “While our PD
has been aggressive about issuing tickets, having these additional enforcement
tools at our disposal will serve as a further disincentive to drag racing
within the city.”
The main component of the package is a local law that would authorize the City to commence a civil action seeking forfeiture of a vehicle used in connection with drag racing (aka: unlawful speed contests) after the registered owner of the vehicle is convicted under or pleads guilty to section 1182 of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law. Section 1182 specifically prohibits speed contests and races. A conviction under this section is a misdemeanor.
In addition to the local law, the package includes two ordinances.
The first ordinance adds a definition of unlawful speed contests to the City’s Municipal Code and provides penalties for those involved in such races.
The second ordinance amends the City’s noise ordinance to clarify that noise created during an unlawful speed contest is a prohibited noise, also subject to penalties.
A conviction or guilty plea under the City’s Municipal Code is a violation and can result in a fine.
Together, these three actions
will give the City additional enforcement tools to go after those who organize
and participate in drag races.
Council President
Nadine Hunt-Robinson said,“Like our
residents, we are very concerned about the issue of drag racing and we are
pleased to take the extra step to protect the people of White Plains from this
abhorrent behavior.”
James Nolan said, “This is a great
honor to have White Plains pass this law in honor of my brother and to protect
others from these unlawful and dangerous acts. This law will do a lot of good
and will go a long way to help avoid the heartache of losing a loved one.
Illegal drag racing and dangerous acts with vehicles will not be tolerated
anywhere in our community. My brother was robbed of a future, was robbed of so
much, but they will not take his legacy and this law is a part of his legacy.
Some people may say these acts are a “hobby or lifestyle” but make no mistake, these
crimes are nothing other than an act of negligence for human life and it will
not be allowed at all!”
County Executive George Latimer said: “Drag racing has been on the
rise in Westchester County and my administration is working with local
municipalities and activists to try to curb this reckless behavior. From the
risk to motorists and pedestrians to the toxic behaviors associated with it, we
must put an end to illegal drag racing. I commend Mayor Roach and the Common
Council on their efforts to do just that.”
Council Member Justin Brasch said, “This legislation sends a strong message that Drag Racing will not be tolerated in White Plains. Not only can you get a ticket for speeding and creating noise, now we can confiscate your car. This will hopefully put an end to Drag Racing in White Plains and save lives.”
Council Member John
Martin
said, “This legislation, and widespread knowledge of it, should help give our
residents some relief from the excessive noise and dangerous conditions
resulting from “drag racing” on our streets.”
Council Member Jennifer
Puja said, “James Nolan has turned tragedy into triumph by bringing this
legislation to local municipalities and I am glad to see unanimous support for
it in White Plains. Speed contests are not just a risk for those participating,
but for bystanders and for residents. The potential forfeiture of a vehicle
sends a stronger message that speed contests are not tolerated in our city. As
we near the fifth anniversary of Michael Nolan’s tragic death, we can honor his
legacy by keeping our city streets safer for all. “
