PUBLIC POLICY & LEGISLATIVE ORGANIZING
SBU is strongly opposed to all seven scenarios in the MTA's congestion pricing proposal (Central Business District Tolling Program) released last month. The proposal would increase traffic and noise pollution in the South Bronx, which we are already disproportionately burdened with and which has resulted in alarmingly high rates of asthma and other illnesses, including among youth. Read our statement to the MTA here: English and Spanish.
The Challenge
The South Bronx is the poorest congressional district in the country.
It also has the unsavory distinction of having the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country and being among the lowest performing school districts. These alarming statistics are the result of decades upon decades of government neglect and experimental urban renewal programs that worsened an already bad situation.
To turn our community around requires creating public policies and legislation that address our realities and that provide us with adequate resources.
Our Response
Through coalitions and partnerships, we advocate for public policies that promote equity and support the health and well-being of our community and we work to create forward-looking cumulative impact legislation. Currently, we are opposing MTA’s congestion pricing proposal, which is comprised of seven scenarios which would all lead to more truck traffic in the South Bronx. Read our statement to the MTA here - English and Spanish. Please check back soon for more information.