On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in New York Bay, a proposal has been put forward by congressional members in New York to have a toll-free day on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge this Wednesday to commemorate the historic event when Verrazzano first entered the region on April 17, 1524.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which has been in operation since 1964, has become a crucial transportation hub connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York City. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to waive tolls on the bridge on April 17th as a sign of respect to Verrazzano.
Malliotakis stated that if Verrazzano knew that MTA was benefiting from his name, he would be displeased. She further pointed out that MTA has long been misspelling the surname of this explorer.
In recent years, MTA has faced criticism for charging high tolls for events like the New York City Marathon. Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed MTA not to compromise the iconic events and economic activities of New York City.
To celebrate this anniversary of the discovery, local Italian-American community leaders will hold a commemorative ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan. John Calvelli, the Executive Vice President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), voiced support for the toll-free proposal and praised Congresswoman Malliotakis for her initiative.
Additionally, this Saturday, a street corner at Lily Pond Avenue and Major Avenue in Staten Island will be officially named after Verrazzano. Councilman David Carr will preside over the naming ceremony.
责任编辑：陈玟绮