Mayor pushes for congestion pricing before deadline

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hit the city?s churches Sunday in a last-minute push for his congestion pricing plan. The plan is designed to charge drivers to enter busy parts of Manhattan. Monday

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2007, 10:55 PM

Updated 6,289 days ago

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hit the city?s churches Sunday in a last-minute push for his congestion pricing plan.
The plan is designed to charge drivers to enter busy parts of Manhattan. Monday is the deadline for the state to approve congestion pricing if it wants federal funding.
State Sen. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) announced at City Hall that he would not be voting for the plan. He says all the benefits of the plan will go to Manhattan.
Supporters say congestion pricing is an investment in the city?s future. ?You get stuck in traffic, you?re sitting there, you?re not working. It costs our economy $13 million a year,? Michael O?Loughlin said.
Lawmakers are divided on whether the plan will decrease city traffic and asthma rates. Whether or not congestion pricing passes, local leaders say it?s time for a plan that reduces traffic and preserves a high quality of life for everyone who lives in the city.