Tony Avella
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Tony Avella and David Weprin Launch Preemptive Attack on NYC Toll Reform
Remember these guys? This morning, State Senator Tony Avella and Assembly Member David Weprin stood at traffic-choked Queensboro Plaza to say they don't care if the Move NY toll reform plan reduces tolls on bridges near their eastern Queens districts -- they refuse to support any proposal that adds tolls to East River crossings. In a bid to preempt any forthcoming effort to fix the region's dysfunctional road pricing system, they're introducing legislation in Albany to prohibit charging drivers on city-owned bridges. The gesture is pure theatrics, since NYC already can't put a price on those bridges without approval from the state.
December 13, 2013
Avella Lines Up for Rockaway Beach Rail Reactivation, Against QueensWay
As work is set to begin on a state-funded feasibility study to convert the Rockaway Beach Branch into a 3.5-mile park and multi-use path, State Senator Tony Avella -- former City Council member, onetime mayoral hopeful, and current candidate for Queens borough president -- is the latest elected official to line up behind southern Queens transit activists who are trying to stop the greenway plan and instead bring back rail service.
August 5, 2013
Thompson, Avella Pledge to Dump Sadik-Khan If Elected
I didn't get to watch last night's Democratic mayoral debate between Bill Thompson and Tony Avella, so I missed the high drama that ensued when the candidates were asked if they'll retain Janette Sadik-Khan as transportation commissioner. Good thing Brian Lehrer played excerpts on his show this morning (check the 13:40 mark). Now I know the answer from both: "No."
August 27, 2009
Will Congestion Pricing Make or Break Mayoral Campaigns?
While we wait to see what happens, or doesn't happen, today in Albany, New York Magazine takes a look at four mayoral aspirants and how their positions on congestion pricing may affect their chances of succeeding Michael Bloomberg.
April 7, 2008
“Thums” Down and Zero Unispheres for Queens Pricing Supporters
Oppose congestion pricing and all this could be yours
March 31, 2008
What Western Queens Stands to Lose Without Congestion Pricing
Queens residents crash Friday's anti-pricing rally
March 31, 2008
Queens Pols Rally to Keep Using Gioia’s District as Their Doormat
Tony Avella, Leroy Comrie, Melinda Katz, David Weprin "and other possible members of the Queens Delegation" are holding an anti-congestion pricing rally tomorrow morning at 8:00 on the Queens side of the 59th Street Bridge, according to an e-mail from the Queens Civic Congress.
March 27, 2008
Queens Chamber Continues Campaign Against Congestion Pricing
Foes of congestion pricing marshalled by the Queens Chamber of Commerce held a press conference yesterday at which several politicians from the borough took a stand against the mayor's plan. According to a press release provided by the chamber, City Council Finance Chair David Weprin called the proposal unnecessary: "I don't think City Hall understands that another unfair tax which would hurt working class people is not only uncalled for, but also unnecessary to reduce traffic. Before we tax people more we should first consider trying some simple traffic mitigation alternatives to reduce congestion."
April 25, 2007
Detractors Find Congestion Pricing Facts in Short Supply
Add the Queens Chamber of Commerce to the list of pre-emptive congestion pricing foes.
April 18, 2007