These are pragmatic steps for faster buses, fewer car crashes, less traffic, funds for transit, and a thriving city.

And let’s broaden out to create additional toll zones in Upper Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. These are the densest, most transit-rich areas that are still clogged with cars.

Decongesting them will deliver faster buses, less honking, safer streets, and funding for transit improvements.

Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are 35-50% of Manhattan’s vehicles, yet their riders pay only a tiny $0.75 or $1.50 congestion fee per ride. On a typical Uber ride, that’s only 4% of the total fare.

Let’s hike that up to a price that actually makes riders think twice before hopping in a cab.

The congestion price for Manhattan’s core is already scheduled to increase by $3 in 2028 and a further $3 in 2031.

But we don’t need to wait. Let’s bring these price increases forward to further deter unnecessary driving and unclog our streets.

It’s not even a very well-arranged green space! When I visited, most of the space was cordoned off and every seat/bench was occupied. We turned around and left immediately.

I wrote last year about the grassroots effort that started this ball rolling to make Third Avenue safer for all road users: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/third-ave

It’s awesome to see what’s worked on the Upper East Side now get extended.

For full details about the races and candidates, check out my latest blog post: sidewalkchorus.com/p/2025-primary

Then make a plan for how you’ll cast your vote!

The proposal will now go to Manhattan Borough President @marklevinenyc.bsky.social, and eventually the city council, where local council member @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social will have big influence.

I hope these officials will support the project, and say YES to great facilities in our neighborhood.

I’m excited about the hospital getting a modern emergency room, larger operating theaters, and a single-bed room for every patient. (Currently 60% of beds are in shared rooms 😭)

Ultimately 60% of CB8 members voted to disapprove the proposal, while I was in the 40% who voted in upgrade the hospital.

So pleased to see @alexbores.bsky.social supporting this bill. Looking forward to making AD73 and all of our city safer for pedestrians.

www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...