Brick, NJ – Citing the significant number of residents that commute daily on the Garden State Parkway and the impact that Governor Jon Corzine’s plan to increase tolls will have on them, Brick Township Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis has announced his opposition to the Governor’s plan.  Mayor Acropolis will present a resolution opposing the plan to the Council and ask for their support tonight.

“Brick Township is a bedroom community and there are a great number of residents who use the Garden State Parkway every day.  Under the Governor’s proposal, these residents will be looking at significant increases in the amount of their hard earned dollars that go towards commuting costs,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Under Governor Corzine’s plan, tolls on the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway would increase 50% in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 and then increase every four years to reflect inflation until 2085.

“These toll increases are essentially tax increases and we are looking at a lifetime of them,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Brick Township has four full or partial Garden State Parkway interchanges either within its borders or adjacent to them (Exit 88, 89. 90 and 91).  This has made Brick Township a popular community for commuters to call home.  According to the 2000 Census, Brick Township has over 35,000 workers over the age of 16.  Of those, over 27,000 work outside of the community, with over 17,000 working outside of Ocean County.  Over 30,000 of those workers commute to work alone.

“This plan is inherently unfair to communities whose residents rely on these roads.  We are going to bear the greater financial burden of this plan,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Brick Township’s commuters are going to be among the hardest hit in the State.”

Mayor Acropolis is also concerned about increased traffic congestion in the community as a result of the toll increases.  “Many people use the Parkway to bypass the center of Brick Township or for short trips to nearby towns,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “People are willing to pay the current toll.  They might not be so willing to pay the increases which means more people on Brick’s roads.”

Mayor Acropolis has drafted a resolution opposing the Governor’s plan and will present it to the Council at tonight’s meeting.  “The Council shares my concerns about the cost of living in New Jersey.  I am confident they will join me in opposing the Governor’s plan,” said Mayor Acropolis.

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