Stony Point Says NO to New York City’s “Congestion Pricing” plan

BY KATHY KAHN

With little means to get to the city except by car, the Town Board on February 27 unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed “Congestion Pricing” plan scheduled to go into effect on trucks, buses and cars that travel below 60 th Street (as well as additional fees for those that use the bridges and tunnels) that get them to work in Manhattan.

“Most of us have to drive to work,” said Supervisor Jim Monaghan. “We suffer from a lack of transportation here in Stony Point. We already pay high tolls at the tunnels and bridges and this is another burden on the taxpayers.”

Deputy Supervisor Tom Basile agreed, saying, “This proposal has nothing to do with congestion —it has nothing to do with the environment-this would be yet another tax on hardworking people in the Hudson Valley to raise more revenue for the bottomless pit of waste and mismanagement called the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The Hudson Valley will pay a disproportionate fee because of limited transportation options for so many.”

The board unanimously passed the end of the limit to the “Cold War Veteran” tax exemption. Vets from that time period in American history had to wait ten years before they could apply. Now, they can apply immediately, good news for vets and their families. In addition, to honor its veterans, Stony Point will begin its banner program again this spring.

To date, 77 residents have had banners placed along Route 9W in the center of town. There are approximately 20-25 poles left to place them on, so Supervisor Jim Monaghan asked that anyone interested in purchasing one and having it displayed before Memorial Day contact the Town Clerk.

Cold War veterans got good news: The ten-year wait to apply for a veteran’s tax exemption has been ended, and the board urged them to apply immediately. Seniors, too, will benefit from the Community Block Grant the Town applied for to buy new tables and chairs for the Senior Center.

In addition, said Monaghan, the $57,000 CBG the town received in 2017 will be used to purchase a new senior bus with handicap access.

The “Great Dunkin’ Donuts Controversy” has also ended, with the Planning and Town Boards signing off on the proposed improvements to the well-used gas station and convenience store on Willow Grove Road at its last meeting on February 13. Well, at least until residents represented by attorney Kevin Conway have their day in court, as they prepare to file an Article 78 challenging the zoning of the project, as well as the town’s protocol in approving it.

Resident Jon Karger was happy to hear of the Planning Board’s approval. “I’m glad it got approved. The closest place to get a soda or cup of coffee is a mile further down the road. I’m also glad they will make the road cut on the side because of the difficulty of getting in and out of here.”