NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Implementation of congestion pricing in New York City has been postponed indefinitely. It will not start on June 30 as originally planned.
There are two reasons, one economic and one political.
New York Gov. Cathy Hochul thinks the timing isn't right because Manhattan businesses haven't fully recovered from the pandemic.
Watch Governor Hochul's full statement on congestion pricing:
Watch Governor Kathy Hochul's full statement on the decision to postpone the start of congestion pricing.
This is evident as Democrats face tough House races in the New York City suburbs. Republicans plan to use congestion pricing as a political wedge.
Congressman Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents part of the Hudson Valley, wasted no time weighing in on the governor's decision.
The Mornings @ 10 team talks to US Rep. Mike Lawler about congestion pricing delays.
Governor Hochul responded shortly before noon, saying implementing congestion pricing now risks « many unintended consequences. »
« Circumstances have changed and we have to respond to the realities on the ground, not the rhetoric of five years ago, » Hochul said.
« I think this is a great step in the right direction, » said Mayor Mark Sokolich, (D) Fort Lee. « We're not trying to make the MDA in Fort Lee dysfunctional, we're trying to make sure there's fairness in the process. »
Fort Lee would have to deal with a 25% increase in traffic throughout their area, which would negatively impact air quality, Sokolich said.
The Mornings @ 10 team talks with Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich about the postponement of congestion pricing.
New Jersey Governor Bill Murphy said, « While we have differences of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing, we have always had a shared vision to grow our regional economy, invest in infrastructure, protect our environment, and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the Hudson River. Manhattan's success is inextricably linked to the prosperity of Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams throughout the tri-state area and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them for the benefit of all our residents. »
Also Read: NJ Reaction to Congestion Pricing Postponement
On the other hand, Sam Schwartz, a transportation expert, said the governor's decision was disappointing.
« I'm very disappointed, I thought the governor had the guts even though another governor made the nomination. I'm disappointed that he said the time is not now, the time is now, » he said. . « The reality is that the transportation system will suffer. »
The MTA, which faces a $1 billion budget shortfall without implementation, declined to comment.
Lindsay Tuchman has a report from Staten Island.
« I've been in contact with the governor over the past few days, and I consider the governor a partner, and I'm very pleased that we've come together on so many issues, » New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. « I have said this again and again, ladies and gentlemen, you have asked me again and again about congestion pricing, and I am saying to get it right. We have to make sure that it is not a daily burden. Yorkers, we have to make sure that it does not affect our recovery. Analysis of the recovery effort. And we're looking at what other ways we can do it and do it right, it's a big change for our city and it's got to be done right. »
There are several lawsuits against congestion pricing, and an official in Staten Island said they are waiting for the state's final decision before deciding what to do with their case.
« It's a little premature to make that decision because we don't know what's going to come out of the state, and once the state takes its official position, we'll decide what to do with the case, » Staten Vito Fossella said. Island Borough President.
Mornings @ 10 panel congestion pricing with Staten Island Metropolitan President Vito Fossella.
On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the governor could not deny the plan was a bad idea for the entire metropolitan area emerging from the pandemic.
« I'm very grateful that our representative was the only vote against this at the MTA, » Blakeman said. « I hope the governor isn't thinking about commuter taxes in the suburbs. »
The Mornings @ 10 team talks with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman about congestion pricing.
There is a belief that congestion pricing is inevitable. A $15 toll will be charged for passenger cars south of 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays. There are some exceptions. Several lawsuits challenge the plan.
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