April 26th, 2019
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
As a Legislator in the county that shares New York City’s entire eastern border, I read with great interest that an agreement has made regarding Congestion Pricing with the State of New Jersey which shares New York City’s western border. It has been reported that the agreement or “conceptual understanding” will likely exempt drivers on the three Hudson River crossings from the full brunt of congestion pricing. Reports say it has been agreed that drivers at all three Hudson River crossings will have their tolls credited against the new Congestion Pricing fee.
On behalf of the residents of the 6th Legislative District and Nassau County, I urge you to reach a similar understanding with respect to drivers, who enter Manhattan and/or the Bronx at any of the tolled East River crossings. This includes drivers who use the Battery Tunnel, Midtown Tunnel, Robert F. Kennedy-Triborough Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge and Whitestone Bridge. Motorists using these crossings should have tolls from these bridges and tunnels credited to any congestion pricing that they would be expected to pay. The residents of Nassau and Suffolk County, who already pay New York State income taxes, deserve to receive at least the same accommodation as residents from New Jersey.
Please confirm the Congestion Pricing accommodation will apply to New York residents using all tolled crossings into Manhattan or the Bronx. Thank you.
Sincerely,
C. William Gaylor, III
6th Legislative District
Nassau County Legislature