Summary:
$9 congestion toll to enter Manhattan's business district is set to begin January 5th, 2025.
High storefront vacancy rates in affected neighborhoods are fueling opposition.
Republicans are using the toll as a major campaign issue against Democrats.
Critics argue that no economic impact assessment was conducted before implementing the toll.
The toll is expected to increase to $12 in 2028 and beyond.
NYC's $9 Manhattan Congestion Toll: A Storm Brews
New York City is bracing for a major change: a $9 congestion toll to enter Manhattan's business district, set to begin January 5th, 2025. While proponents tout reduced traffic and pollution, a recent report reveals that neighborhoods already facing high vacancy rates could be hit hard. This has sparked a fierce political battle.
The Political Fallout
Republicans are using this as a campaign issue, accusing Democrats of implementing a tax that makes “no sense.” They argue it will further harm economically struggling neighborhoods with high storefront vacancy rates, as revealed in a recent Department of City Planning report. The report highlights that six of the top 10 neighborhoods with the highest vacancy rates are within the toll zone.
Critics, including retired Judge Kathryn Freed and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, point to the high number of empty storefronts and question the lack of economic impact assessment. Sliwa even predicts an "exodus" from Manhattan.
<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/curtis-sliwa-maestro-s-hispanic-91961500.jpg?w=1024" alt="Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa warned that congestion pricing will "kill" Manhattan.">Even some Democrats, like Assemblyman David Weprin and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, express concerns, emphasizing affordability and the city's still-recovering economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Toll's Trajectory
The toll, initially paused by Governor Hochul, is slated to increase to $12 in 2028 and beyond. While the MTA hopes the revenue will fund its capital program, the high level of opposition remains a significant challenge.
<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/general-view-congestion-pricing-toll-76249034.jpg?w=1024" alt="Congestion pricing is set to begin in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 2025.">A Siena College poll indicated that two-thirds of NYC voters and 72% of suburbanites opposed the original $15 toll proposal. Although the toll has been reduced to $9, the political battle is far from over.
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