The MTA rescue plan, with its new East & Harlem River bridge tolls and first-ever, 12-county transit payroll tax cleared a major political hurdle by winning the crucial support of NY Gov' Paterson. Winning support from mayor, outer boroughs remains.
"Gov. David A. Paterson said for the first time that he supported a financial rescue plan for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that includes charging tolls on bridges over the East and Harlem Rivers (that are currently free).
The governor also spoke favorably about a recommendation in the plan for a tax (of one-third of 1 percent) on company payrolls in the region."
"The governor said the plan would include an increase in fare revenues of 8 percent next year, scaling back a 23 percent increase that the authority had previously said it would need."
"It's either going to be fare hikes or it's going to be tolls and a combination of payroll taxes", the governor proclaimed.
"The governor's support is crucial for the plan to make its way through Albany, where it will need approval by the Legislature.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's support will also be needed for the plan to succeed."
Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn warned, "We have to make sure that the outer boroughs don't bear a disproportionate share of the pain."
FULL STORY: Paterson Backs Bridge Tolls in Plan to Rescue M.T.A.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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