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Hike in Verrazano toll bridges politics

By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper

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This politically fractured community has finally found a common cause — everyone is united in opposition to a toll increase on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

The rare showing of political hand-holding comes as Republicans and Democrats both blasted the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for calling for a one-dollar toll hike in next year’s budget.

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Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer (D–Bay Ridge) says the move is downright troll-like.

“These hikes are an unfair burden on our families and I stand poised to fight this proposal,” said Hyer-Spencer.

Hyer-Spencer said she’ll send out a petition for residents to fill out and mail back to her office.

“I will personally carry these names with me to the MTA hearings in November where I will make your voices heard,” said Hyer Spencer.

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But her voice may not be loud enough to budge the MTA.

That’s because the agency has proposed only two scenarios to avoid a budget shortfall — and both proposals involve raising the toll.

Rep. Vito Fossella (R–Bay Ridge) called on the MTA to go back to the drawing board.

“It is ironic to note that for the luxury of paying this fee, commuters get to sit in unbearable traffic and endless congestion, not to mention endure the consequences of poorly planned maintenance and construction projects that exacerbate an already untenable situation,” he said.

In June, one lane in each direction was closed for a lower-level rehab, a complete removal and reconstruction of the roadway, parapet wall and utilities, and rehabilitation of the steel beneath.

Already, the work has led to congestion that has spilled onto the streets of Bay Ridge.

Fossella fired off a letter to MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander bashing the proposal as untimely punishment on already construction burdened commuters.

“The MTA cannot justify charging motorists $10 or more to cross the span — an amount that would make the Verrazano toll one of the most expensive in the United States,” Fossella added.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold a hearing to discuss the tolls at the Brooklyn Marriott (333 Adams St., between Willoughby and Johnson streets in Downtown Brooklyn) on Nov. 5 at 6 pm.

©2007 Community Newspaper Group

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Reader Feedback

Michael says:
Though I do not like all the car traffic in south Brooklyn, a toll hike on the bridge is really uncalled for. When the Verrazano bridge opened the toll was only supposed to exist until the costs of building the bridge had been recovered. It has been paid for hundreds of times over.
Further I object to the fact the bridge only has space for car trafic. Many Bay Ridgers would like a foot and bike path on the bridge. I assume that their might be interest for this on S.I. side as well. As a person who does not own a car I would like to be able to bike over and appreciate Fort Wadsworth, and the beautiful historic parts of Staten Island which I can see from Bay Ridge.
Oct. 15, 2007, 10:24 am
Elise says:
The bridge isn't even worth $1. All the frustration you deal with. It should take me 30 to get home but you can't it take 45mins to get from 92nd street in Bklyn to the toll plaza.
Nov. 8, 2007, 2:07 pm
Kenny says:
We must stand and end this literal highway robbery!
There has to be a better way than just putting it on the backs of the working people. How about Ad space ont he bridge, name it the pepsi bridge, I don't care!
Or let us encourage and give a chance for people to carpool and create that HOV lane, a new one ont he SIE and Belt.
I have seen no improvements for the common person,and what MAss Transit option do we have to get within our own city on NYC, from Brooklyn to Staten Island, unless you count the ferry from the city???
This has to end, the tolls are breaking us and making living in New York City just plain stupid.
$11.00 for one bridge, not to mention, we all usually have to pay for a second, that is 60 a week at minimal now, and over $3000 a year, that is insane.
Stop the nonsense, and stop shoveling the burden to the people!
Nov. 14, 2007, 11:20 pm
jake p from new jersey says:
There must be a better idea than to raise the toll. First of all i am not sure why the toll even has gone up.The level of service provided by MTA and the port/bridge authority is the same, the congestion on all lane are the same, regardless of EZ pass or cash. We must end this rediculous raise on basic commuting needs. Whats next $20 to cross the outerbridge?
Think about this we spend over $300 billion last year on war in Iraq,but for people like me who work and barely survive on pay check to pay check have to fight against the basic need of commuting from NY to NJ.
March 26, 2008, 3:28 am
jeffd from queens says:
GOOD GOD, have you seen all the new buildings around the bridges,the mta hav turned into its own country bleading the people around them. in this time of pain for every one they have built ,there own country ,this is just plain anti people how high can they go ,money to build more buildings, they look like a compond is russia. afread of the people around they cause there ripping us off.this has got to stop. they have made staten island impossible to get to, why have a bridge. can get there anyway.... vote stop the ripe off.
Sept. 19, 2008, 11:11 am

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