July 16th, 2024

New York Should Tax Parking Spaces, Not Streets, to End Standoff

New York City considers alternative revenue sources like congestion pricing and a payroll tax due to a budget shortfall. Columnist Andrew Leahey proposes taxing parking spaces as a politically feasible option to raise funds and reduce congestion, emphasizing the need for public support and gradual implementation.

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New York Should Tax Parking Spaces, Not Streets, to End Standoff

New York City is facing a budget shortfall, prompting discussions on alternative revenue sources. Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal for congestion pricing in Manhattan faced political backlash, leading to considerations of a payroll tax to cover the revenue gap. Andrew Leahey, a columnist, suggests taxing parking spaces as a more politically viable option. This approach could discourage driving into congested areas, raise funds for infrastructure improvements, and spread costs across a broader base. While congestion pricing may be revisited in the future, a parking tax could serve as a temporary measure. Leahey emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the benefits of congestion pricing, drawing on examples from cities like London and Singapore where such policies have been successful. Public education campaigns and gradual implementation strategies could help garner public support for congestion pricing in the long run. Ultimately, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to address the city's financial challenges while promoting efficient transportation and infrastructure development.

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Link Icon 6 comments
By @Kon-Peki - 5 months
New York already taxes parking spaces:

> The services of parking, garaging and storing motor vehicles within New York City are subject to the 4% state tax, the 6% New York City local tax, and the ⅜% Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) tax (for a combined state and local rate of 10⅜%).

> The borough of Manhattan has an additional 8% parking tax that applies unless the purchaser is a certified exempt resident (for a combined state and local rate of 18⅜%).

https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/parkin...

Maybe the tax rate should be increased? NYC would do well to adopt a system similar to the Chicago neighborhood parking zones for on-street parking:

https://www.chicityclerk.com/city-stickers-parking/about-par...

http://smartchicago.github.io/zone-parking/

By @coreyh14444 - 5 months
There should be zero private cars on the island of Manhattan. Build giant park n ride structures in NJ/Bronx and Queens. And while we're at it, do that cool infill project to extend Battery Park.
By @litoE - 5 months
February 1, 1971. I arrived in Manhattan from South America. On one of the streets (I forget which) there were several official-looking parking signs that read "Do Not Even THINK of Parking Here". Every time I've visited Manhattan since then I've looked for another one of those - never found another one.
By @downvotetruth - 5 months
If the goal is to be the most progressive, it should not and rather tax land owners as much as necessary to balance the government's budget directly proportional to land value and get rid of building height restrictions.
By @beardyw - 5 months
The now long standing congestion charge in London is specifically to support public transport and residents get a hefty discount.

This article seems to miss the point by a mile.