Mar 30, 2008 11:51 pm US/Eastern
Anti-Congestion Pricing Rally Held In Chinatown
Small Businesses Feel Traffic Fee Will Be Harsh On Them
Reporting
Cindy Hsu
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
After months of fighting over congestion pricing, the City Council could vote on the controversial plan as early as Monday.
A rally was held in Chinatown against congestion pricing Sunday. Residents, business owners and politicians turned out, and argued the plan could cost people a lot more than expected. Councilman David Weprin pointed to the situation in London.
"It started about the equivalent of $8, quickly went up to twice that and then since has gone up even higher," said Weprin. "It's almost tripled the amount since it was implemented."
The plan would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th St. $8 for cars, and $21 for trucks Monday through Friday from 6 in the morning to 6 at night.
If passed, the federal government has promised the city $354 million that would go to the MTA for transit improvements.
Supporters of the plan also attended the rally, with air quality monitors and a long list of benefits.
"It definitely reduces traffic, it definitely cleans the air, it definitely makes the streets safer, it definitely helps New Yorkers get around better, it definitely improves the economy," said Noah Budnick, of Transportation Alternatives.
But Jan Lee who owns a furnishings store in Chinatown, says congestion pricing will hurt business. Deliveries will cost a lot more, forcing him to raise prices. Right around the corner is a tiny shop called 'Fried Dumpling.'
Lee says small businesses like them that rely on every dollar will suffer.
"This is a perfect example. Fried dumplings - 5 pieces for a dollar. If congestion pricing [passes] all her deliveries are going to go up and she's not going to be able to charge a dollar and a lot of people around here rely on food that costs a dollar or $2," said Lee.
If the City Council votes on the plan Monday and it passes, the issue then heads to Albany where the State Legislature will vote on it. If it passes there too, it would go into effect in March of next year
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