Manhattan: I live in the Central Business District below 60th St. and I support congestion pricing — a tax to fund the MTA’s capital projects — but not as it’s currently structured. It will divide Manhattan into two classes of taxpayers: Those who live and work below 60th St., in the tax ghetto, because you’ll have to pay to come in and to go out and prices will go up within; then there’s the tax haven above 60th St., where there will be no financial impact.
Every vendor who delivers to any business, hospital, doctor’s office or commercial or rental building will have to pay the tax to enter the zone. That includes deliveries of heating oil. Delivery companies will pass this charge on to businesses, who will raise their prices. Residents, workers and tourists will see an increase in prices across the board, in goods and services and in rents.
Let’s consider the tax break for those who earn less than $50,000 per year. Any savings will be partially erased by the increase in prices. The MTA says studies were done and there will be no increase, but those studies were done before the pandemic. Businesses are still trying to recover, as are residents. And there’s inflation.
Why should residents and businesses below 60th St. foot the entire congestion pricing tax? If all of Manhattan paid it, the per-vehicle charge might be reduced by 50%. Price increases would also be equalized. The haven above 60th St. has the luxury addresses. I say let all of Manhattan share it. That would be fair and financially efficient. Carol Zalben
Medford, L.I.: To Voicer Andrew Cioffi: You’re so right about Johnny Maestro. I have been saying this for years. What a joke! And you can add Connie Francis, Chubby Checker, Paul Anka and Blood, Sweat and Tears. But you have Eminem and Jay-Z as Rock & Roll Hall of Famers! I listened to their music in the ’60s all the time! LOL. What a shame.........