Hearing on congestion pricing lawsuits held in federal court
NEW YORK (PIX11) — The MTA is putting the finishing touches on plans for congestion pricing, while some opponents get their day in court in Lower Manhattan.
Neighbors are suing the federal government to stop congestion pricing over air quality concerns. This is the second legal challenge before a federal judge. The state of New Jersey is also suing.
A judge heard arguments in April at the Newark federal courthouse. That judge said he expected to issue a ruling by June.
The MTA has set a June 30 start date.
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Elizabeth Chan filed suit along with other neighbors to stop congestion pricing. Other cases from Staten Island and the teachers union are being addressed in these proceedings. Other cases are also pending.
They say the federal government and MTA should have done a more in-depth environmental impact statement on the actual toll proposal.
An environmental assessment was done on a range of prices and times. It was approved by the federal government, as is required by the process.
“A 4,000-page study is sufficient we think. The federal government gave us an A+ and we are confident going into this,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber.
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They say congestion pricing will reduce traffic and help fund billions in transit projects.
The federal judge questioned both sides as they presented their case.
Other court precedents and legal requirements were cited. Opponents say the MTA has not been specific enough about neighborhoods and projects that need mitigation to improve air quality.
The judge asked why opponents think the law or the rules would require additional study.
Susan Lee is president of New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing.
“If you look at one neighborhood in the South Bronx, 700 more trucks and then the private vehicles. I can’t imagine what it will do to New York City as people toll shop,” Lee asked.
Opponents also say it will hurt business and air quality in Chinatown and the Lower East Side.
Supporters say transit improvements will help New York City, and congestion will be reduced.
The MTA is in the final steps of the process which is another review by the Federal Highway Administration of the final structure. The chairman expects that to be decided in the next few weeks.
Some mitigation projects are included in the proposal and have been clarified. It is required to study and monitor how congestion pricing is implemented and the impact it has when it starts.
Air tests and traffic counts will be done.
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