A classy action

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Politics
Tags
congestion pricing,keep nyc congestion tax free,new yorkers against congestion p,city council common sense caucus,queens civic congress,covid,westway,snail darters,new york post,jack lester,gotham green®

For several months, I’ve been meeting via Zoom with like-minded folks who oppose the imposition of a toll-tax (aka congestion pricing) to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. Late last year, as other concerned folks and groups joined our weekly Zooms, those gathered decided to hire a lawyer and explore bringing a lawsuit. The group chose a name and incorporated as New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax. It raised funds, including through a GoFundMe page. Its members sought out plaintiffs including from its members which included a Member of the New York State Assembly long opposed to the tax. Gotham even proved a source (more on that later.). The lawyer recommended and designed a class action complaint calling for an Environmental Impact Statement before the scheme could proceed. We start to plan an announcement. During that process the members of the Common Sense Caucus of the City Council signed on. 

The filing of the lawsuit (by attorney Jack Lester) and its announcement occurred last Thursday (January 18, 2024); despite the gathering in the freezing cold, this news conference attracted more cameras and press than I can recall for the many successful “pressers” I’ve been involved in planning over two decades since I left public service. We gave an exclusive to the New York Post which ran the eve before.

Stories and reports ran in many news outlet and I posted those we found at the Media page of Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free for which I am a senior policy advisor.

Interestingly, a spokesman for one of the pro-taxing groups tried to paint the plaintiffs as all folk owning a second home. Of course, the real story of that plaintiff: a senior citizen who feared for COVID and relocated for health reasons but still needed to see doctors with officers south of 60th Street – all outlined in the complaint! Many in Gotham may know that individual (read on for a clue.).

Several plaintiffs have a personal connection to this commentator, including the current president and immediate past president of the borough-wide Queens Civic Congress (which also is a plaintiff and which I co-founded and served as its second ever president); and the President of the largest co-operative in Queens; even Gotham proved a source (amazing what gets discussed at Gotham’s weekly happy hour).

In closing, anyone remember the Westway project? As I discussed in this interview (at the 23:01 point), ultimately, its demise involved its affect on tiny snail darters; this class action lawsuit aims to protect human lives. Think about that! It remains something I feel strongly about, not just as a co-chair of GOtham GREEN®, but as a public servant who worked to pass major environmental laws in the last 1980s and early 1990s.

Comments

Daniel Schwartz

Another example of Corey's clout. Wishing you success in the fight against congestion pricing.
Scott Bloom

As a resident of that area, I have long felt there should be an exception for us ‘going home’ just once per day.

So many other ways to make Manhattan more efficient for all…..sbloom@bloomreg.com for anyone that cares to discuss.
Shelley Simpson

People have more power than they think.And all too often, many choose to complain rather than step up and do something. Thank you Corey for continuing to not only raise awareness but for also taking action.
Fred Klein

They are fortunate that they have harnessed your not inconsiderable Clout!!!
Tessa Marquis

An amazing list of issues and actions! If everyone on the planet could work for good, together, in an educated and organized manner...well, we could end war and famine, and illness at last!
Thank you, always, Corey, for your energy, skills, and leadership.
Rona Gura

I need to connect my daughter with your group. She's a special ed teacher that works in Jamaica Queens. She works in a district 75 school, exclusively special ed. She lives on 64th Street in NYC with her now husband who works in NYC. She takes the 59th Street Bridge to and from work. Besides the garage costs she already pays the additional cost of this toll will be financially devastating. If it is passed, she and her husband will be forced to move out of the city.
Rick Raymond

We have been perplexed too, as this has progressed. I find lack of "sufficient public" information on the plan.. Such as 1) Is the charge a single in and out, or a daily charge once in the zone. 2) why are residents in the 60th St (or where ever that line is drawn) to about the 93rd street residents who certainly may be able to absorb the fee, exempt from it. It raises a perception of special treatment for the more privileged. 3) How will vehicles passing thru the sone be noted? Will every street have a camera for this purpose?
Rich Slomovitz

Great job Corey, as always. Keep up the good fight and I hope you and those opposed to the congestion pricing scheme prevail.
Kelly Welles

Kudos for proving once again how one committed citizen with legal savvy, trench experience and a vast strategic network can make a difference. Very elucidating. What are tiny snail darters? Seems to me this is anti-intuitive to resident retention, job retention, the tax base, and supporting small business. Is the chief rationale environmental conservation or tax revenue increase?
Corey Bearak

No one really exempt. Camera along all corridors/entry/exit points. It’s why we need a full EIS.
Kelly Welles

Would Love to see a side by side comparison of the metrics, assumptions and upsides and downsides of both from two independent sources. Is that available?
Corey Bearak

A look of good, dedicated and skilled folks involved in this effort. I appreciate knowing and working with them!
Corey Bearak

Alternatives may be viewed at Keepnycfree.com. I’ve written and spoken of many. Consider joining the suit.
Corey Bearak

No one is independent here. You have to look at the data. Look at the reports on CP by KeepNYCFree.com by the former economist for the PANYNJ. Look at the credentials of those to speak out. You know mine.

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