The plan to charge motorists driving into parts of Manhattan is being challenged in multiple courts.

A series of legal challenges could derail New York City’s long-awaited congestion pricing plan, which is scheduled to begin on January 5, report Chris Dolmetsch and Michelle Kaske in Bloomberg CityLab.
According to CityLab, “On Friday in Manhattan, US District Judge Lewis J. Liman heard requests from plaintiffs in four different lawsuits to put the program on hold while the litigation proceeds. Liman didn’t immediately rule, but indicated he’s aware of the time constraints and will decide as soon as possible.” Other judges are issuing decisions that allege the plan will unfairly force people with limited public transit options to avoid driving and that it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.
“The MTA will need to seek new funding if congestion pricing fails to take effect. The transit provider plans to issue $15 billion of bonds secured by the new toll revenue to pay for extending the Second Avenue subway to Harlem, updating train signals and adding elevators to stations.”
FULL STORY: New York’s Congestion Pricing Plan Still Faces Legal Hurdles

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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