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.