NYC congestion toll would hit neighborhoods with some of worst vacancy rates in city as GOP issues warning to Dems

Republicans are pledging to make sure Democrats pay the political price for a new Manhattan congestion toll – as a new report revealed affected neighborhoods already have some of the worst vacancy rates in the city.The GOP may not be able to stop implementation of the Gov.Kathy Hochul-backed $9 base toll to enter Manhattan’s business district — a first-of-its-kind fee in the nation — but officials are already looking at it as a major campaign issue against Democrats in future state and city elections.“Congestion pricing is a continuation of Democrats’ tax and spending policies in Albany and New York City,” said state Republican Party chairman Ed Cox.

“Every Assembly member and senator who voted for this law will have to explain it.It makes no sense.”Opponents, meanwhile, claim that a new Department of City Planning report suggests that the new toll could economically damage Manhattan neighborhoods in the toll zone already suffering from hundreds of empty storefronts.Six of the city’s top 10 neighborhoods with highest storefront vacancy rates are in the toll zone, as are 10 of the top 20 communities. The report, released last Friday, reveals:One Lower East Side activist, retired state Supreme Court Judge and former Democratic Councilwoman Kathryn Freed, said state and MTA officials never conducted an economic assessment of the new toll and the City Planning data provide evidence it could hurt neighborhoods in the congestion zone.“No one looked at the economic impact,” said Freed, a leader in New Yorkers Against Congestion pricing.

“We have vacant buildings, empty storefronts.”She also said Hochul has handed Republicans a gift they can use to bludgeon Democrats in upcoming elections– and jeopardize her re-election in 2026.“It’s going to elect Mike Lawler,” said Freed, referring to the Hudson Valley Republican congressman, who is weighing a run.Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, a Republican who is planning another run for m...