- Filed (End of Session)
History
Res. No. 110
Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to consider the impact of the current pricing scheme on the Verrazano-Narrow Bridge on both the residents of Brooklyn and Staten Island.
By Council Members Gentile and Espinal (by request of the Brooklyn Borough President)
Whereas, In New York City, bridges and tunnels are operated by three separate agencies: New York City Department of Transportation ("DOT"), Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ("PA"); and
Whereas, The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, operated by the MTA, serves as the primary connection for a motorist travelling between Brooklyn and Staten Island; and
Whereas, In February New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to reduce the toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (VNB) for residents in Staten Island; and
Whereas, Following Governor Cuomo's announcement, the MTA Board adopted an action item to increase the rebate available to Staten Island residents through the Verrazano Narrows Bridge Staten Island Resident Rebate Program; and
Whereas, According to the MTA, the reason for the increased rebate is that "Staten Island residents are uniquely disadvantaged by the MTA district's transportation network charges in that the VNB is their sole means of vehicular access to the rest of New York City;" and
Whereas, Some current and former public officials, have raised the concern that the current pricing policy on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge disadvantages Brooklyn residents; and
Whereas, While the plan may result in meaningful relief for residents in Staten Island, it fails to recognize the importance of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to residents in Brooklyn who rely on the Bridge for travel to Staten Island and New Jersey; and
Whereas, It is crucial that any decision regarding the pricing of bridges and tunnels include an impact analysis for residents on both sides of the Bridge, including the residents of Brooklyn; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transit Authority to consider the impact of the current pricing scheme on the Verrazano-Narrow Bridge on both the residents of Brooklyn and Staten Island.
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LS# 689
3/5/2014
GZ