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City Councilman Wants Brooklyn Included In Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Anniversary Celebration

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is turning 50 later this year, but one City Councilman said Brooklyn isn't getting its fair share of the spotlight in the November celebration.

City Councilman Vincent Gentile said there are two sides to the bridge, but all of the events are taking place in Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

City Councilman Wants Brooklyn Included In Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Anniversary Celebration

"We should have the same opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary as the Staten Island side," Gentile told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.

Gentile said no plans have been made in Bay Ridge, where 7,000 residents were forced to relocate when the bridge was constructed.

He has sent a letter to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials asking that the Brooklyn neighborhood play a part in the celebration.

Gentile suggested that the planning committee "eliminate the toll for one day or at least role it back to what it was when the bridge opened in 1964."

An MTA spokesman said they will address Gentile's request directly.

The anniversary is Nov. 21.

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