“Stunning” Pause on Congestion Pricing

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 5th that there would be a “pause” on
implementing the congestion pricing for traveling through New York City. What does a
“pause” mean?

In a New York Times article by Ana Ley, Winnie Hu and Stefanos Chen, “they state the
MTA approved more than $555 million for the installation, operation and maintenance of
dozens of gantries and other equipment for congestion pricing at close to 110 tolling
points across Manhattan.”

The article continues, “In 2019, the M.T.A. selected TransCore, a transportation
infrastructure company in Nashville, to design, build and oversee the traffic monitors.”

$555,000,000.

Here’s another number, 63%. That is the number of New Yorkers who oppose
congestion pricing.

The infrastructure has been installed. The investment spent. Do we really expect the
leadership in Albany to not continue with this program? There is a very important
election in November, and many New Yorkers are not happy with many issues and will
potentially hold accountable those that allowed these policies to take hold. Including
congestion pricing.

For Assembly District 83 this is seen as a positive “pause”, but we need to be honest.
This has all the earmarks of waiting out the election. This election we need to hold
accountable every person who voted for this program, including my opponent, the
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Heastie. He has held the position of Speaker since 2015.

I am holding a Zoom Townhall meeting on June 21, 2024 8pm. Please email
info@forthepeople83.com for the link. I look forward to hearing the point of view of the
constituents and business leaders who will be affected by this and other issues.