NYC Plans for Population Boom by 2030

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2007/apr/22/042207107.html

NEW YORK (AP) - Driving into the most congested half of Manhattan could become an expensive privilege under a wide-ranging city program unveiled Sunday to cope with the booming population and ease stress on the environment.

The package of proposals outlined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg focuses on the city's transportation, energy, water and housing networks that in some cases already are strained beyond capacity by today's 8.2 million people.

"Let's face up to the fact that our population growth is putting our city on a collision course with the environment, which itself is growing more unstable and uncertain," Bloomberg said.

The most controversial idea in the plan, from the mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability, is a proposal to charge motorists for driving into Manhattan below 86th Street on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trucks would be charged $21 a day and cars would be charged $8, on top of the city's already expensive parking.

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[Deja Q]

1. They should have planned better.

Taxpayer money goes into road and other services to work on these issues.

If people have to pay to drive, their taxes had better go down to compensate.

Which means, what's the point of doing so in the first place?

[youngdem]

3. This is an excise tax meant to reduce demand, not increase revenue to fund improvements

There is no where else to put roads in Manhattan, so they have to restrict demand. The only practical way to do that is either with district/resident pass tags, which is impractical in a city with tons of vendors and visitors, or you can have an excise fee to reduce the demand.

I don't understand your point about lowering vehicle taxes. Those taxes go to the state, gas tax funds the roads, and this is a congestion excise tax to reduce demand, which is ENTIRELY different.

[NMDemDist2]

2. hope they are including lots of sanpans

since lots of Manhattan may well be under water in 20 years

[Me.]

4. I'm Willing To Give A Listen & See Exactly What He Has In Mind

Right now NYC is making an effort to be environmentally responsible. The citizens of the city make up 2.7% of the population of the country while creating 1% of the pollution. We are on parity with Ireland and Portugal and are responsible for 1/3 of the emissions/pollution created by the average American. I heard on the news yesterday that they are putting a huge chunk of money into new trees and planting them wherever they can find a spot.

[lokione]

5. As a regular NYC visitor

I'm all for a car tax into Manhattan. The public transportation system into the city is good and should be encouraged. The buses in the city have a problem running on time due to traffic congestion that is just not necessary. IMHO, it would be great if personal vehicles were banned in Midtown period! That said, I'm going for a week-long visit next Friday, without my car.