In the weeks following New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to block the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, public space leaders have taken to the streets to demand that the policy be reinstated in order to reduce traffic, boost quality of life in NYC, and fund public transportation investments. Design Trust for Public Space Executive Director Matthew Clarke issued the following statement in response:

“The sudden reversal of overdue measures to improve NYC’s public transportation and reduce the number of cars on Manhattan streets is hugely disappointing. The economic rationale underlying the Governor’s announcement—that congestion pricing will harm a fragile economy—misses a fundamental reality facing New York City: that the viability and vibrancy of the city depends on new ways to imagine, build, and program the public spaces that have been suffocated by automobile traffic. 

This move comes at great contrast to the city’s tremendous progress toward prioritizing and reimagining public space and the right-of-way. The Governor’s own panel rightly identified that a reimagined public realm will be a critical argument in bringing daily and active life to our business districts and commercial corridors. That future will not be possible with streets clogged by cars. Better public space policy can continue to transform the livability of the five boroughs, from prioritizing curb space for public use to streamlining permitting processes for public space activations. Stalling on the nation’s first congestion pricing push will hinder NYC’s ability to deliver on lively public spaces and forward-thinking strategies that open up the realm of possibility for making our streets and sidewalks for people, in addition to the fundamental benefit of a MTA able to invest in mass transit improvements.

We are calling on Governor Hochul to uphold her promised commitment to move congestion pricing forward. We cannot condemn our communities to more traffic – we need creative leadership to envision and design a thriving, sustainable public realm.”

Public space experts are available for further comment, please contact Alexa Mauzy-Lewis (amauzy@designtrust.org) to coordinate an interview.

The Design Trust for Public Space is a non-profit organization that unlocks the potential of New York’s public spaces. Our unique model catalyzes design ideas into action for a more just and equitable city.