NEW YORK -- Depending on who you ask, small business owners say congestion pricing could be a blessing or a curse.When Gov. Kathy Hochul initially canned the plan, she said did so in part because small business owners were afraid of losing customers who travel by car.Some business owners recently offered their take.
CEO Barrett Gross said he believes it deters customers who mostly come by foot.'It'll reduce the amount of traffic that's right outside our front doors, and that'll be more pleasant for people who are shopping here,' Gross said.His is one of 150 businesses that are part of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District. The organization did a 2023 study that found 93% of people ride the train, bike or walk in the area.