Community Corner

Port Authority Toll Hike Debate, Decision Highlight Local News

The week in review: a weekly roundup of the top local stories on Fort Lee Patch

Dozens packed the basement-level garage area of the George Washington Bridge Administration Building in Fort Lee for one of nine public hearings Tuesday on the Port Authority’s unprecedented toll and fare increase plan for Hudson River crossings, including the GWB.

The crowd comprised local and county residents and public officials who expressed opposition, concern and, in some cases, outrage about the Port Authority’s plan to raise tolls. But the meeting was also heavily attended by labor union members—many of whom wore orange t-shirts with the words “Port Authority = Jobs” printed on the back. The union members largely support the toll hikes, which they believe will ultimately create jobs. (Full Story)

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The Fort Lee Borough Council Thursday passed a resolution officially opposing the Port Authority’s proposal to raise tolls on the George Washington Bridge and other Hudson River crossings.

The resolution—originally introduced by Councilman Jan Goldberg—states that the borough “stridently opposes” the agency’s plan to increase tolls “that will impose an unreasonable burden upon users of the bridges and tunnels” and urges the members of the Port Authority’s board to “reject the proposed toll increases.”

Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The resolution also calls on the governors of New York and New Jersey to veto the plan. A copy of the resolution will be sent to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and state legislators. (Full Story)

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As widely reported Thursday, an audit of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed out-of-control overtime spending at the agency and a failure to meet its own goals for lowering costs.

The audit report came out just two days before the Port Authority Board of Commissioners votes on proposed toll and fare increases on the George Washington Bridge and other Hudson River crossings.

Patch reported five specific findings revealed in the audit report. (Full Story)

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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners Friday approved a two-part plan it says will “restore fiscal health to the agency” by increasing tolls on the George Washington Bridge and other Hudson River crossings and fares on PATH at a lower rate than its original proposal released two weeks ago.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on the agency to scale back its plans in a joint letter to the Port Authority’s board president and vice president Thursday. (Full Story)

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The opening of the new Democratic headquarters at 185 Bridge Plaza North in Fort Lee was commemorated Wednesday night by familiar and fresh faces on the political scene in Bergen County. Democrats gathered not only to establish a new headquarters, but to reawaken their vision and unite their front. (Full Story)

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The Fort Lee Board of Education got through its regular business meeting agenda in a mere 20 minutes Monday, with Fort Lee Superintendent of Schools Raymond Bandlow highlighting four documents the board ultimately approved. (Full Story)

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The Deputy Chief of the Fort Lee Fire Department recently took it upon himself to start a Facebook event page called “Pay It Forward” for Sept. 11, and it’s taking off beyond his wildest expectations with nearly 14,000 people and counting planning to participate as of Monday (Full Story)

Editor's Note: It's gone way beyond 14,000 as of this weekend to well over 30,000.

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Fort Lee’s Emergency Services Blood Drive, sponsored by the local police and fire departments, the Fort Lee Ambulance Corps. and Fort Lee PBA Local #245, is Friday, Aug. 26 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center.

“It’s something we do every year,” said blood and organ donor, Fort Lee policeman and president of the local PBA, Kevin Kosuda, adding that this year’s blood drive will feature something new. (Full Story)

The Week in Review appears every Sunday on Fort Lee Patch.


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