NYC diner owner says Gov. Hochul doesn’t actually frequent his restaurant to talk congestion pricing

Congestion Pricing Concerns for NYC Diner Owner

The owner of a New York City diner, Tarek Soliman, expressed his worries about the impact of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $9 congestion toll on his business. Despite Hochul’s claims of diner support for the new fee, Soliman mentioned that she no longer visits his establishment since her 2022 gubernatorial race.

Soliman, a Queens resident, raised concerns that the driving fee could deter customers from the outer boroughs and New Jersey from dining at his establishment, potentially leading to a significant impact on his business.

While Hochul paused the fee initially due to backlash, it has been officially resurrected with a $9 base toll, causing criticism from restaurant workers and customers who view it as government overreach.

During a press conference, Hochul emphasized her interactions with diners, mentioning that these conversations influenced her congestion pricing policies. She specifically named the Comfort Diner, the Townhouse Diner in Murray Hill, and the Pershing Square cafe in Midtown as her favorite spots.