David Yassky

 

By PATRICK GALLAHUE Published: March 31, 2008

The congestion-pricing plan cleared a major barrier today - as the City Council narrowly passed a home resolution in favor of the measure, which now must be approved by the state Legislature.

While even opponents of the plan to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan's business districts had expected the proposal to pass, it merely squeaked through with 30 for and 20 against - making it one of the narrowest council votes in years.

"It was a very close decision," said Councilman Mike McMahon (D-SI) admitting he was taking a "leap of faith" that the revenue generated would be used for mass transit.

Senate Republicans said they might take up the congestion-pricing measure as soon as today, but Mayor Bloomberg's plan faces significant opposition in the Democratic-controlled state Assembly.

Many lawmakers campaigned loudly against the plan, and even supporters were critical of exemptions for New Jersey residents, who would already be paying $8 on the Port Authority's interstate crossings.

But a weekend amendment to the plan, offering tax breaks for low-income drivers and a requirement for the PA to pony up $1 billion for the MTA's capital plan, quieted some of the disapproval.

"We can't remain the capital of the world if it takes a half-hour to go five blocks in Midtown," said Councilman David Yassky (D-Brooklyn), a supporter of the plan. "When you have a problem of this magnitude, you have to try something."

But others slammed the mayor and complained about aggressive promises of paybacks.

"Congestion pricing is the biggest scam that's ever been perpetrated on the people of this city," said Tony Avella (D-Queens), who voted no.

Another naysayer, Queens Democrat Leroy Comrie, was skeptical that commuters would see any of the promised $354 million in federal funds that would come along with the plan.

"I have absolutely no faith in the MTA being honest with New Yorkers," said Comrie.

Sources said the Senate GOP, whose members recently received $500,000 in campaign contributions from Bloomberg, are looking to turn up the heat on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has been noncommittal on the plan.

David Seifman in NY and Kenneth Lovett in Albany contributed to this report.