My own colorful Assemblyman has said some stupid things in the past. But an op-ed against congestion pricing in this week's Riverdale Press might take the cake.
Here are a couple of his gripes:
The MTA has proposed a long list of improvements and service additions in anticipation of congestion pricing, yet not one of these improvements affects the western half of the Bronx. In addition, the MTA recently stated that several subway lines, including our IRT No. 1 line, are already operating at capacity and cannot handle additional passengers. So, what exactly are the improvements for mass transit that we are going to see in the West Bronx to make it more practical for people to leave their cars home? I could not even consider supporting congestion pricing without significant improvements in mass transit.
This argument is specious for one very important reason- the best improvement that can be made for transit in the West Bronx is to get some of those damn cars off the road. As someone who lived in Riverdale and commuted to Manhattan for most of my adult life, there is already adequate express bus service. However, commuting to midtown routienly takes upwards of an hour and 15 minutes because of the traffic in the way. Even before any "improvements" can be made to West Bronx transit service, just having less traffic will shorten commuting times significantly. |
| Next, Dinowitz says:
The mayor has proposed deducting bridge tolls from the $8 congestion pricing fee. Sounds good. But not only is that unfair, it is a deal-breaker for me. Most Bronxites pay no toll into Manhattan. Some people from Riverdale pay the $2 Henry Hudson Bridge toll. New Jerseyites, on the other hand, pay from $4 to $6 to cross the George Washington Bridge. That means that while most Bronx residents would pay the full $8 to drive below 86th Street, residents of New Jersey would pay only $2 to $4. That's outrageous, unfair, unacceptable and, in fact, a form of discrimination against most New York City residents.
Yes, Assemblyman- most Bronxites do pay no toll into Manhattan- most Bronxites do not drive to work! In fact, only 5.2% of Mr. Dinowitz's constituents drive to work in what would be the congestion pricing zone.
As for the "unfair, unacceptable" form of "discrimination" (preach on, Dr. King!) versus New Jersey commuters, I believe he is entirely making this up! The congestion pricing plan will force New Jersey drivers to pay the same $8 fee as everyone else- the toll over the G.W. Bridge will just be included in this. Give me a break.
I think Mr. Dinowitz's line of though is revealed in this doosey near the end of the op-ed:
Thanks in large part to the leadership of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver...
Mr. Dinowitz is unfortunately one of those Assemblymembers who I feel is just a Democrat because it's easy to get elected that way in his district. I see in this man no commitment to progressive ideals, or even the slightest willingness to think of the greater good over parochial NIMBYist interests.
Additionally, this makes me wonder if what wrote to me in an email during an exchange over congestion pricing a few months ago was just pandering:
I am very much open to supporting congestion pricing, but major improvements to mass transit, especially for those who live in areas formerly referred to as two-fare zones, must be part of the deal.
I agree- more transit options in the West Bronx would be great. But please Mr. Dinowitz, do not sabotage the best immediate transit improvement possible- getting cars off the road- because you want more pork for the district.
Someone's just asking for a primary challenge. |
