This week marks the 500th anniversary of Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano’s arrival in New York Bay, and to mark the occasion, local police say drivers should take a paid break at the famous bridge that bears his name. announced.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Staten Island and Brooklyn, opened in 1964 and was named after the explorer who entered the bay on April 17, 1524.
“The MTA commemorates Verrazzano’s 500th anniversary of the discovery of New York Bay by naming residents of the two boroughs it connects after him on April 17,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn). It is fitting that the bridge should be free.” , to the post.
“Verrazzano would have rolled in his grave if he had known that this money-hungry institution was carrying out a cash heist in his name. They even misspelled it for decades,” the House said. the congressman cheekily added, referring to the MTA’s infamous misspelling of the last word in explorer. The signs are named, with just one “z” for him.
They will probably even sue for defamation,” the lawmaker quipped.
Malliotakis has already announced a parliamentary resolution on behalf of the French monarchy to honor Verrazzano and recognize the 500th anniversary of his discovery of the bay.
The MTA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment on the proposed rate changes.
The agency recently came under fire for trying to recover $750,000 in lost toll revenue from the New York City Marathon from the New York Road Runners Club. The Verrazzano Bridge is closed during the annual race, when runners start and cross the bridge, and the transportation department said it needs to be compensated for lost tolls.
But Gov. Cathy Hochul, who oversees the MTA, ordered the agency to back off from intervening in New York City’s iconic racetrack and economic source.
Meanwhile, local Italian-American civic leaders plan to mark the anniversary of the discovery of Verrazzano with a ceremony at noon Wednesday next to the explorer’s statue in Manhattan’s Battery Park.
They agreed with Malliotakis on Wednesday to make the bridge toll free.
“Nearly 100 years before Hudson, an intrepid Italian explorer reached New York Harbor and literally charted the way to this land of opportunity,” said John Calvelli, executive vice president of the National Italian American Foundation. Told. “The MTA can honor his legacy by providing some peace of mind to the thousands of New Yorkers who travel on the bridge that bears his name.
“It’s not every day you celebrate a 500th anniversary. Thank you Congressman Malliotakis for leading this effort!”
On Saturday, the corner of Lily Pond and Major streets in Staten Island will be named after Giovanni da Verrazzano. It will be chaired by City Councilor David Kerr, who represents neighbors in the ward near the bridge and requested the changes.
