“That’s why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
                                  ― George Carlin

For those of you who are confused about Congestion Pricing, relax. No matter what is done, it won’t be to our benefit. Especially if you are a Senior in SoHo or if you have business on Long Island. To prove that I’m a sport and could use public transportation like anyone else — even though my balance is off and was concerned about being pushed off the station edge after having chemo — I took the subway. I made it onto the subway car but was then accosted by a lunatic screaming about how racist New York is. Naturally, he had to stop and stand next to ME. So, instead of confronting him I moved to another car and sat down in the only free seat. It was safe since the guy next to me was slumped over in a drug stupor and didn’t give a shit about racism at that moment.

Not a cop was in sight.

Since I won’t be able to drive I think I’ll continue taking a Lyft. Social Security won’t go as far but maybe I won’t get killed — just attacked. After all, who gives a shit about Seniors. SoHo and Manhattan have become the object of every special interest. From Canal Street traffic, to Holland Tunnel drivers heading at slow pedestrians, to bikers who now have an organization that aims to silence critics — take your pick. Rather than the envy of, SoHo has become the target of all outlying boros, the City Council, the Community Board, useless politicians, and tourists.

However, for those who believe public transpotation will get better for us here’s some news:

The MTA Congestion Pricing program, a toll for vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, is set to go into effect later this year. 

Its goal is to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as raising funds for the MTA. 

Considering the inordinate number of vehicles traversing SoHo going to the Holland Tunnel, the program could have a significant effect on our neighborhood.

However, it could present financial difficulties for local residents who require their vehicles for, say, medical appointments or work outside Manhattan. More information on the toll rate schedule here.

Senator Brian Kavanagh is seeking to hear from his constituents on this subject and is hosting a meeting on it Thursday, February 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at BMCC TriBeCa Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street near West Street. 

MTA officials will present their plan and there will be a Q&A with the public. Registration is required via https://bit.ly/mtainfosession

The MTA will also be holding its own public hearings and comment sessions on Thursday, February 29 at 6pm, Friday, March 1 at 10am, Monday, March 4 at 10 am, and Monday March 4 at pm. Click here to register to attend in person or via Zoom at https://mta.zoom.us/j/82624594335

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

Sincerely,

Sean Sweeney, Director

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Reader comments:

2/16/24

Hey Don,

I read your piece on congestion pricing. Agreed.  I was going to go to the meeting tonight, but realized I could go to free night at ICP.  They really didn’t want our opinion.    I love to see the statistics, but my theory is that electric bikes have actually added to congestion and co2 emissions.  The batteries need to be disposed of and subway ridership is probably down because of them.  No licensing, no insurance, REALLY.    Of course crime is down because if it goes unreported there is no crime,  sort of like a tree falling in the woods.

Oh well, another time.

John