Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro to Congressman Nadler: “Two-way? No way!”
Molinaro reiterates his stance on V-Z tolls
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today again expressed his strong opposition to the return of a two-way toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, in the wake of a renewed call for the return of two-way toll collection by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who represents parts of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Borough President Molinaro and Congressman Nadler met last fall to discuss regional transportation needs. Both agreed that without significant changes to traffic movement patterns throughout the region, our economy and quality of life would be negatively affected in the near future.
Congressman Nadler has been a strong supporter of reinstating the two-way toll, claiming that traffic would be noticeably reduced, and air pollution lessened in both Staten Island and lower Manhattan. Nadler argues that currently, there is a great incentive for trucks and motorists to travel across Staten Island and enter Brooklyn without having to pay a toll, thereby enabling them to drive into Manhattan for free.
In a January 2007 letter to Congressman Nadler,Borough President Molinaro detailed his reasons for opposing the two-way toll, pointing out that lower Manhattan has experienced traffic congestion beginning well before the Verrazano was even built, and that a two-way toll will not alleviate this problem. “The only thing a two-way toll would do is create more gridlock for Staten Islanders,” said Molinaro. “I also know for a fact that the two-way toll would not reduce congestion in Congressman Nadler’s district. Time is money for truck drivers. The Verrazano is the most convenient route, geographically, to get to lower Manhattan. I highly doubt that truckers will be deterred from using the Verrazano just because they need to pay a toll,” Molinaro said.
Borough President Molinaro and Congressman Nadler have a long history of working closely together. Congressman Nadler has proved to be a strong advocate for Staten Islanders over the years, most recently helping to secure federal funding for the North Shore Rail Line. Congressman Nadler also met recently with Borough President Molinaro’s Chief of Staff, Meagan Devereaux in Washington, D.C., to discuss several important transportation initiatives for Staten Island.
“Congressman Nadler has been a great friend to Staten Island over the years, but he is on the wrong road with this project. I look forward to continuing to work with him to help improve transportation and traffic issues on Staten Island,” Molinaro said. “On this issue, we have agreed to disagree.”
July 27, 2007