NEW YORK — The battle over congestion pricing in New York City is back in the spotlight.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she wants to end the pause in the planlowering the toll from $15 to $9, but a group of federal, state and city lawmakers from both sides of the aisle gathered in Staten Island on Tuesday to push back against the plan’s return.
“These conversations are not new. We have been in contact with the White House, the Federal Highway Administration, Biden’s chief of staff and Secretary Buttigieg since June,” Hochul said Tuesday morning.
That’s what the opposition members say Congestion charging is just a plan to salvage the MTA’s poor financial managementand taxpayers will pay the price.
“We urge the governor to look within her own budget and prioritize spending so it actually goes to the things people deserve and want,” Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said.
“People can’t afford to live in New York and it’s nonsense like this that’s driving them out of this state,” added Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents parts of the northern suburbs.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella has already filed a lawsuit in federal court to prevent the plan from going into effect.
The congestion pricing plan is on the verge of approval, sources said
New York City, state and federal officials must give the green light before tolls can be collected. The MTA would also have to approve the lower fares.
According to sources, the documents have already been signed by the FBI and city officials. The final signature needed would be from state Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, a Hochul appointee.
Malliotakis said she and her supporters want to delay the plan until President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January 2025.
“We will try to look at all possible angles to fight it legislatively and legally,” Malliotakis said. “Ultimately, the governor must listen to the will of the people. The will of the people, overwhelmingly in New York City alone, is that two-thirds are against this congestion tax, and that’s not even a poll. the people of Long Islandin the Hudson Valley.”
Sources said government officials plan to meet environmentalists and others who have filed charges to restart congestion pricing to get their signature on the new plan.
Malliotakis said if Hochul succeeds in activating the toll cameras, she and other officials will be sued. The governor seems willing to roll the dice.
