Tag: I-684

Calling the plan for Connecticut to put a toll on the approximately one-mile stretch of I-684 that runs through Greenwich, Conn., “an unfair taxation...

Republican opposition to tolls of any kind has been fierce, but Democrat leaders have said over the past few weeks that they believe they have the votes to pass such legislation. Democrats have a 22-14 majority in the Senate and a 91-60 majority in the House.

"Connecticut can no longer afford to kick the can down the potholed road,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “Over the coming days, I look forward to continuing these discussions so we can adopt a plan to finally fix our transportation system and get our state’s economy moving again, in short order.”

The plan would install gantries on six state and county roads that cross the state line in the towns of Pound Ridge, Lewisboro and North Salem, and possibly a toll on the Hutchinson River Parkway just before it becomes the Merritt Parkway upon entering Connecticut.

The governor said he is looking for legislators to meet during the week of Dec. 16, with House Democratic leaders reportedly telling their members that Dec. 17, 18, and 19 are the likeliest dates.

"The time to move is now," according to Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney, who expressed hopes that a special legislative session will be called to vote on the plan. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said the proposal demonstrates Democrats' "insatiable desire to tax people more."

State Sens. Shelley Mayer and Peter Harckham, along with Assemblymen David Buchwald and Kevin Byrne, believe that the proposed toll “would create a ‘New York’ tax on our constituents who must transverse this small section of Connecticut in their drive within New York State."

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s plan to impose tolls on motorists using I-684 where the highway through Westchester crosses a sliver of Greenwich, Connecticut, hit...

The plan is receiving positive reviews from Lamont's fellow Democrats, the Connecticut AFL-CIO, and the Business Council of Fairfield County -- and opposition from state Republicans, the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, and Westchester County politicians.