Two downed trees in Rockland overnight have been cleared. Officials say downed trees shut down Route 9W near West Shore Drive in Stony Point, and near North Highland Avenue also on 9W in Nyack. No injuries were reported.
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MTA Holds Fourth Public Hearing on Congestion Pricing Plan
The MTA held its fourth public hearing on the Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program, also known as congestion pricing, from which they took comments from the public and local elected officials on their opinions on the controversial plan. Rockland and other west-of-Hudson and other commuters going south of 60th street in Manhattan are likely going to be paying the most once congestion pricing gets the go-ahead by the end of next year. In yesterday’s hearing, Rockland State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick said Rockland commuters must be exempt from the plan…
Reichlin-Melnick suggested new train service on the Tappan Zee Bridge or restored passenger service on the West Shore line as the top two best options to improve commuting from Rockland. The MTA has two remaining online hearings on congestion pricing, one today from 5 to 8pm, and the last from 10am to 1pm tomorrow. Click here to access the hearings and contact information for the MTA so you can send them your comments as well.
One Killed in Multi-Car Crash in Mahwah
One was killed in a multi-car crash on northbound Route 287 in Mahwah just over the border from Suffern early Saturday afternoon. DailyVoice.com says New Jersey State Police said a rear-seat passenger in one of the cars involved died after being taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. The victim was not identified pending family notification. No other serious injuries were reported.
Property Manager in Spring Valley Banned from Real Estate Development After Fraud Uncovered by NY AG
The property manager for a Spring Valley co-op has been fined and ordered to pay about $400,000 for the illegal misuse of the co-op’s funds. New York Attorney General Letitia James says an affordable housing development was saved from foreclosure after a two-year investigation discovered it had been mismanaged by Russell Mainardi and his girlfriend. Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski says those who committ fraud put the whole system at risk…
The girlfriend, who was not identified, was forced to resign as property manager, and Mainardi’s been permanently banned from real estate development.
Hundreds Speak at First MTA Hearing on Congestion Pricing
The first of several online public hearings on the MTA’s controversial “Central Business District Tolling Program,” also known as “congestion pricing,” was held yesterday. 391 public officials and residents of the metro area signed up to speak at last night’s online event, and air their opinions on the plan targeting suburban commuters. The hearing itself lasted over 6 1/2 hours. The MTA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Allison de Cerreño, said the city needs to find a way to clear up their crowded streets…
Many spoke out during the hearing, both for and against the proposal that could hit suburban drivers and others with a daily toll of up to $23 each day…
The congestion pricing plan is expected to go into effect by the end of 2023.