讀後心得

MTA announced that it will use congestion pricing revenue to upgrade the subway station next to Chinatown for accessibility, following the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, while continuing to develop affordable housing. The project is located at the Delancey Street/Essex Street subway station, which serves approximately 68,000 passengers daily and is expected to provide 99 new residential units. MTA Chairman Lieber stated that this will facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents. He emphasized that the congestion pricing policy, as a funding source, plays an important role in improving community life.

The MTA announced that the revenue from congestion pricing will be used for accessibility upgrades at subway stations near Chinatown, while continuing to develop affordable housing in a manner that ensures compliance with standards for disability use.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recently launched a series of improvement plans near Chinatown in Manhattan to promote the accessibility of the Delancey St-Essex St subway station and to maintain the construction of affordable housing. These renovation projects will be funded by the congestion pricing revenue generated in Manhattan.

The MTA stated that this funding was already included in the construction plan from 2020 to 2024. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber pointed out that the station is located in the heart of the Lower East Side, serving not only as an important transit hub for Manhattan, but also providing service to surrounding communities that rely on public transportation, primarily composed of seniors, working-class individuals, and low-income groups. Lieber described the new construction as a “triple win” solution, noting that the community is already beginning to feel the positive effects of the congestion pricing policy, including improved traffic flow and a 25% reduction in accidents.

He added that the project benefits not only the community but also has most of its funding coming from congestion pricing revenue. Additionally, the "Essex Street Comprehensive Development" project associated with the station will also be advanced simultaneously. According to the COO of the City Economic Development Corporation, Melissa Román Burch, construction on Parcel 9 is expected to begin in 2026, providing 99 new residential units, with the overall construction plan including 1,100 residential units, of which 50% are designated as affordable housing.

Meanwhile, the Delancey Street Associates, responsible for the project, will provide right-of-way access and plans to construct an elevator at the street corner to the F, M, J, and Z subway lines. In addition, the MTA will renovate three elevators to enable step-free transfers between different subway lines within the station and will advance the design of a new subway station entrance.

Congressman Dan Goldman stated that this development is a "direct result of the congestion pricing policy," emphasizing that without it, this project would not have been initiated at all. He noted that although there are costs associated with congestion pricing in the early stages, the benefits are multifaceted. State Assemblymember Grace Lee, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, and City Councilmember Chris Marte were also present to show their support.

According to the MTA, the station serves about 68,000 passengers daily. The Essex Street Comprehensive Development project was approved in 2012, with a total construction area of nearly 2 million square feet, encompassing retail space, offices, and green areas. The newly constructed Essex Market, along with 75,000 square feet of retail space and 64,000 square feet of community space, are all now in operation.