LONG ISLAND, NY — Leaders in Nassau and Suffolk counties are considering ways to stop congestion pricing, including lawsuits.
They held a roadside rally on Monday to roll out their strategy.
Lawmakers have MTA in their sights and will rely on Trump
The battle plan of Long Island’s elected leaders is to secure federal funding for the MTA in the new Congress and implore President-elect Donald Trump to fulfill a campaign promise to end congestion pricing.
The town of Hempstead has filed a lawsuit against the MTAbased on insufficient public attention.
“Today’s vote violates New York state law and violates every regulation regarding transparency that the MTA has,” Hempstead City Attorney Joshua Liebman said Monday of the MTA board’s approval of the toll plan .
With no exceptions for first responders, teachers and medical visits, leaders rallied to call congestion pricing a devastating burden on the suburbs that would not be necessary if the MTA better managed its finances.
“The MTA’s waste, fraud and abuse are legendary, absolutely legendary,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico.
“The bureaucracy, the rate evasion, they’re losing money. What do we have? Another tax. It’s a regressive tax. It’s hurting workers,” said North Hempstead Supervisor Jen Desena.
“This is not a group that knows how to handle money. What do they do instead of tightening rule and finding new leadership? They are digging into the pockets of the people of New York and New Jersey,” said Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. said.
“This is an unfair burden on local commuters and small businesses”
Congestion pricing is intended in part to pay for $1.5 billion for new Long Island Rail Road locomotives. Officials call that a pittance of what Long Islanders will pay.
While public transit riders hope for better service, leaders of Long Island’s most populous townships say not everyone has a choice.
“While addressing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability are goals we support, this places an unfair burden on local commuters and small businesses. How does a plumber bring his tools and supplies?” Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.
“These are not the titans of the industry. These are the people who serve you coffee and the men and women who deliver there, and they can’t afford it,” Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said.
Small business owners say the toll plan is a kick in the pocket for Midtown small business owners like Federico Tenorio.
“If I have to pick up materials, it costs money. I have to pay for the tunnels in and out of the city,” says Federico Tenorio, a small business owner in Midtown, Manhattan.
“We pay enough taxes already. I’m originally from London and we have congestion pricing there and I think it’s a money grab,” Baldwin’s Jen added.
Carolyn Gusoff
