Chamber Hosts Discussion with MTA CEO and Chair Janno Lieber
On Tuesday, September 19, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a lunch and learn event MTA CEO and Chair Janno Lieber.
The event was scheduled in response to the incoming implementation of congestion pricing, a topic of great concern for Staten Island businesses and residents. Nearly fifty representatives from Staten Island’s business community and local elected officials joined the event to learn about the new updates, ask questions, and share their concerns.
“This is going to go full steam ahead so we wanted to have a dialogue with the chair of the MTA basically to get his attention so he can understand the issues that we deal with out here,” said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Chamber. “I’ve heard comments like ‘people who drive cars have their heads in the sand.’ We don’t have our heads in the sand, we just don’t have other options,” Baran said, referencing the borough’s lack of a connecting subway line.
“Although Staten Island is often viewed as being ‘forgotten,’ I can assure you that, for me and the MTA, Staten Island is very much top of mind,” said Lieber.
“All we’re asking for is some equity,” said Frank Scarangello, Chairman of the Chamber. ”I get that we have to pay tolls and I get that we have to pay taxes, but I think this issue is really just one of quality of life,” he added.
During the first half of the event, Lieber covered the MTA’s efforts to promote public safety, achieve financial stability, implement congestion pricing, and support New York City’s economic revival.
In the second half, Lieber responded to questions from the audience, which largely focused around how the upcoming implementation of congestion pricing in lower Manhattan will affect Staten Island-based businesses and residents. The wide-ranging discussion also covered topics including the Staten Island North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), improvements on the Staten Island Railway (SIR), traffic concerns on the Verrazzano Bridge, and more.