Congestion pricing, Trump, Project 2025, protecting wildlife

Different ideas on congestion pricing

Many Long Islanders were happy at the demise of congestion pricing at Gov. Kathy Hochul’s hands “How the pause on congestion pricing impacts LIRR upgrades,” News, July 7]. I think we will all grow to regret that initial reaction.

Hochul’s disappointing snap decision means a world of hurt for Long Island Rail Road riders: tolling relics that break down with disturbing frequency, while Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and infrastructure improvements are now just more cans to kick down the road.

Long Islanders exiting the LIRR in New York City, meanwhile, will have to grapple with a now-underfunded subway and bus system. But I expect it will give her the voter boost this decision was intended to do.

No thanks. Unplugging congestion pricing was wrong. We will all eventually pay far more for it.

— Debra Handel, Shoreham

While I understand the need for congestion pricing, I agree with Gov. Kathy Hochul. The scrapped plan was ill-conceived and inexplicably refused to take into account lessons from other cities around the world that successfully (or not) implemented their own versions.

Certain commonsense changes would make it viable:

Limit weekday hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with weekends free.

Give reduced costs to businesses that require carrying heavy equipment and cannot use public transport. I’m a musician and can’t carry my amp, etc. on the LIRR.

Have a reduced cost or exemption for those who must go to hospitals on the East Side — they have enough problems.

Have a “happy hour” exemption or reduced cost for those going to the Theater District — perhaps a 5:30 p.m. start, so they can patronize restaurants, too. They’re probably already paying tolls, high parking fees, taxes on the tickets and probably meals. We want to encourage tourism!

These exemptions and reduced costs could be credited online with receipts from parking, theaters, etc. as proof.

A congestion charge should work, but a money grab will not.

— Russell Alexander, Brentwood

The entire idea of congestion pricing from the beginning didn’t make sense “Our residents can’t afford congestion pricing,” Opinion, June 18]. It would hurt people who actually live and work in Manhattan more than anyone else.

I believe that $15 is too expensive. How about a yearly pass for city residents and service vehicles? City residents and service vehicles would pay a reduced yearly fee, and anyone else would be charged a higher amount, but certainly less than $15.

The equipment is already installed, so put it to use in a more economical manner for all drivers. For the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to rely on those tolls to pay for needed work was ridiculous.

Now is the time for a commonsense solution that won’t hurt so much in the wallet.

— Matthew Seinberg, Wantagh

Anyone who objects to congestion pricing has forfeited the right to ever complain about traffic jams.

— Daniel Mintz, Eastport

Project 2025: Trump knows ‘nothing’? Hmm

Anyone who believes that former President Donald Trump is not involved with Project 2025 should read what he said about it [“Project 2025 becomes a campaign issue,” News, July 7].

Although he said he knows “nothing” about these goals of overhauling the federal government, he still knows enough to say he disagrees with “some of the things” but not all the things being proposed.

He also wished those supporters “luck,” which sounds like another coded message similar to the one he gave the Proud Boys about “standing by” during a 2020 debate.

— Lewis Cohen, Jericho

Teach kids value of respecting wildlife

A reader who will be moving upstate said he would miss the swans who visited his nearby creek each year [“Swanee, how I love you, but I must bid adieu,” Opinion, June 23]. Additionally, the Expressway writer mentioned a disturbing incident involving boys who threw rocks at the swan’s cygnets. This behavior should be condemned and is terrible.

Teaching children the importance of respecting and protecting nature is crucial. They should learn to appreciate and coexist with wildlife in a responsible and compassionate manner.

Throwing rocks at wildlife, especially baby swans, should never be tolerated. When enjoying nature, it is crucial to be cautious around wildlife and respect their space.

— Adrienne Wilber, Holtsville