RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP ROBINSON, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS, PINEDA -ISAAC, DIAZ AND MERANTE:
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RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF YONKERS EXPRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL’S CONTINUED OPPOSITION TO THE MTA's CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TOLLING PROGRAM, ALSO KNOWN 
AS CONGESTION PRICING AND PRAISING GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S DECISION TO PAUSE THE PROGRAM IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC OUTCRY INCLUDING THE CITY COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED RESOLUTION 4-2024 THAT PREVIOUSLY OPPOSED THE SAME
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WHEREAS, the State of New York enacted the MTA Reform and Traffic Mobility Act (the "Act") in 2019, directing the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) to establish a congestion tolling program ("Program") in the Manhattan Central Business Disctrict (CBD); and
WHEREAS, the Act established the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB), which is tasked with issuing a recommended tolling structure for 
the Program; and
WHEREAS, the Program claims to dramatically improve quality of life for people who live and work in or are vising the CBD by reducing 
emissions and traffic; and
WHEREAS, during the TMRB 60 day public comment period on the proposed rate schedule the Yonkers City Council unanimously adopted a resolution No. 4-2024 laying out the pitfalls and negative consequences of the Program and opposing its implementation; and
WHEREAS, in response to said resolution and significant public opposition to the Program the Governor wisely “paused” the implementation of the Program thereby sparing New Yorkers the severe financial burdens it would certainly impose; and
WHEREAS, at this time it appears that the Governor is considering lifting the “pause” and proceeding to implement the burdensome Program in a modified format; and
WHEREAS, However, even at the reduced rate proposed by the Governor, the Program would impose a $9 base toll to all those traveling into the CBD while other classes of vehicles, including large trucks, would pay an even higher daily fee to drive into Manhattan, with the right to increase the pricing toll on gridlock alert days; and
WHEREAS, while the members of the City Council continue to recognize and support the need for effective measures to address traffic congestion and improve our transportation infrastructure, the proposed congestion pricing plan even as modified continues to present significant 
challenges and adverse impacts specifically for our community in Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, Yonkers residents that work in Manhattan and 
commute by train are already burdened by paying close to $300 for monthly MetroNorth passes into New York City, in addition to monies for parking fees at the local train station, and any additional subway or bus 
metro card purchases to get around once exiting the train station; and
WHEREAS, alternatively, Yonkers residents that instead drive into Manhattan not only have to pay a toll at the Henry Hudson Bridge as well as parking in Manhattan in excess of $500 per month, would now also potentially realize an additional $300 per month under this Program; and
WHEREAS, the potential negative impact on local businesses, particularly small enterprises, due to the increased cost of commuting and 
goods transportation resulting from congestion pricing could detrimentally affect the economic vitality of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, the City Council continues to implore the TBTA and the Governor to continue to “pause” the Program or otherwise reconsider establishing certain exemptions for residents and businesses of Yonkers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby continue to express their opposition to the MTA's congestion tolling program in the Manhattan Central Business District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council implores the Governor and the TBTA to continue to “pause” the Program or otherwise consider certain exemptions for residents and businesses of Yonkers to lessen the inevitable financial burden that will be placed on them; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in any event, the Yonkers City Council continues to urge the Governor to continue to “pause” the implementation of the Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby directed to submit a certified copy of the Resolution to the Governor, the Chairman of the MTA Board and the online Central Business District Tolling Program public comment portal.