CORNWALL- More than 50 people filled the conference room of Cornwall-on-Hudson Village Hall Saturday to discuss congestion pricing in mid-Manhattan.
Congressman Patrick Ryan called for this public hearing because public hearings had only been scheduled virtually and in Manhattan. He said Hudson Valley commuters have virtually no voice. The New State Legislature approved the plan, proposed by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, in 2019.
Ryan called congestion pricing “unacceptable and ridiculous.”
Some 10 members of the audience, from Cornwall, Monroe, Washingtonville and other places, spoke saying their commuter choices are limited and so they must drive into Manhattan. The lack of trains on the west side of the Hudson River causes commuters to miss time with their families, homes and communities.
Speakers said the plan should allow exemptions for workers, including first responders. The price is $15 for cars and $36 for trucks. An MTA representative, Laura Wiles, said the fee would be charged only once cars even if they made multiple trips on the same day.
Other speakers said the MTA is already burdened with poor service and budget problems and wondered how the MTA is going to implement congestion pricing. They acknowledged and supported the goal of the plan – lower pollution and easier travel – but said the plan needed time, more discussion.
Wiles said the MTA board could vote on congestion pricing as early as next month.
Ryan said his website will continue to provide more information and updates on congestion pricing.
Other government officials on the dais also spoke during the two-hour meeting, including Michael Anagnostakis, on behalf of state Senator James Skoufis; Assemblyman Chris Eachus; Cornwall Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski; and Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor James Gagliano. All opposed congestion pricing.
