Mayor's traffic plan is 'ill-conceived'

To the editor:

Anthony P. Cassino's letter to the editor on Sept. 27 was signed chairman, Community Board 8. It did not say "for identification purposes" and a reader might assume that he was writing on behalf of the entire community board. At a meeting of the traffic and transportation committee, the members decided not to make a recommendation to the full board and the board did not vote on congestion pricing.

I believe that congestion pricing is one of the most onerous plans that any mayor has ever proposed affecting New York City residents. Queens and Brooklyn residents who, in the past, successfully fought East River tolls will now pay to enter Manhattan. Our Manhattan-oriented mayor has not exempted Manhattan residents. Those who live near 86th Street will pay the fee if they cross 86th Street and those who work outside of New York City will also pay if they are unable to use Metro- North.

Those who live in Kingsbridge would pay the entire $8 and Riverdale residents would pay a little less. Who pays the most? The answer, of course, is New York City residents. They are the only ones who pay New York City income taxes. New Jersey residents would pay a minimum amount when the bridge or tunnel toll is subtracted from the $8.

Congestion pricing is simply an additional tax. No public hearing was ever held and the appointment of a 17-member commission is a farce when based upon who appointed the members, the conclusion is obvious. Mayor Bloomberg said that the state Legislature had to pass the enabling legislation by a certain date, and when that date passed, said it didn't matter. The federal government allocated $350 million instead of $530 million, a difference of $180 million or 34 percent.

Who will be exempt? Will it be city workers in their private cars, elected officials, the handicapped, medical doctors, seniors who cannot travel on public transportation or any other group? How will increases be decided? Who will decide? For comparison purposes look at the tolls at the Henry Hudson Bridge. When we moved to Riverdale, the toll was 10 cents. Today, it is $2.25, an increase of over 2,000 percent, with an additional increase just announced.

What is a possible solution? If congestion pricing should come to fruition then charge all private cars, including those mentioned above, to park on any street below 72nd Street. Enforce all "no parking" and "no standing" regulations. Monitor and enforce existing regulations relating to construction and to the signs that state "standing only while loading and unloading."

Exempt those who live in Manhattan below the cut-off street who garage their cars. Also, reinstate the New York City income tax for anyone working in the city who does not live here. Perhaps the most extreme suggestion is to remove all fares from mass transit and improve it by providing more and cleaner trains and more reliable service on both trains and buses.

I wish to commend those elected officials who have expressed opposition to congestion pricing and ask that others reconsider their position on this ill-conceived concept.

BILL STONE

Anthony P. Cassino's signature as chairman of Community Board 8 was erroneously added. He was writing as a private citizen. -editor

This is part of the October 11, 2007 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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