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Legislator Hofstein: MTA Needs Discounts For Rockland Commuters Before New Manhattan Tolls Are Charged

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1 year ago

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Rockland County legislators want better treatment from the MTA as it prepares to launch new tolls estimated to cost daily commuters who drive into Manhattan an extra $3,000 annually.

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Central Business District Tolling Program could launch as soon as June. “At the very least, we deserve to be treated fairly and this New York City MTA plan does the complete opposite,” Rockland County Legislator Minority Leader Lon M. Hofstein said. “No discounts will be made available to Rockland commuters. Instead, these commuters are looking at a $15 per day toll – a brand new tax – just because they work in downtown Manhattan.”

Legislator Hofstein is the sponsor of a resolution unanimously adopted by the County Legislature that calls on the Governor and the State Legislature to delay the new tolling program until passage of a state law mandating discounts for Rockland and other drivers entering the city after crossing the Tappan Zee or George Washington bridges.

The Central Business District Tolling Program, also referred to as congestion pricing, would affect vehicles entering all parts of Manhattan at or below 60th Street, excluding the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and the Hugh L. Carey (Brooklyn-Battery) Tunnel connection to West Street.

State lawmakers and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo authorized the plan in 2019 as a way to ease traffic and reduce air pollution in NYC’s congested business core and as a way to raise $1 billion annually for upgrades to the city’s transit system. Approximately 4,000 daily Rockland commuters travel into the congestion zone. Drivers who cross the Tappan Zee or George Washington bridges on their way into the congestion zone will get zero discounts.

Legislator Hofstein said the treatment of Rockland drivers mirrors that of the “metropolitan commuter transportation mobility tax,” a 2009 payroll tax put in place on employers and the self-employed not only in NYC, but Long Island and Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Duchess and Westchester counties.

Yet, Rockland still hasn’t seen any bang for the buck despite the additional funding it has been providing for the past 15 years, still has no one-seat train ride into Manhattan, and still has no significant MTA system improvements in Rockland. Just the opposite, Rockland experiences a $40 million value gap between how much is paid into the MTA via taxes and other revenue versus the services provided.

The overwhelming majority of revenue to be collected by the new congestion pricing tolls is slated to cover the costs of operating the NYC Transit bus and subway system.

“Rockland and other commuters outside New York City are again being forced to supplement transportation costs for commuters who live in New York City,” Legislator Hofstein said. “The commuters using the New York City Mass Transit System should be held responsible to supplement the cost for any improvements made. To place the burden on those commuting from Rockland is unfair and just wrong.”

He added, “The MTA and others need to stop seeing people who live outside New York City’s official boundaries as ATMs that they can just keep draining. This new toll, which is a tax, is going to cause hardships on many families who are already struggling just to get by,” Legislator Hofstein said.

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Government

Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection is Warning Residents About a Resurfacing Scam

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1 day ago

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March 31, 2025

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Recent reports from local businesses and residents indicate that scammers are posing as legitimate contracting companies, falsely claiming urgent structural issues to convince homeowners to sign expensive contracts for unnecessary repairs.

In one instance, scammers impersonated a reputable roofing company, Gikas Roofing, and tricked a homeowner into signing a $78,000 contract for fraudulent roof repairs. A similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for a roof replacement she didn’t need—only for the scammers to disappear after causing damage to her home.

“These types of scams follow a familiar pattern, with unlicensed contractors using scare tactics to rush homeowners into making costly decisions,” said Rockland County Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn. “Our department successfully impounded a vehicle and is working closely with the company being impersonated, along with Orangetown Building and Police Departments, but we urge families to be vigilant.”

Always remember to:

  • Ask for proof of a Rockland County license and insurance. A New Jersey license does not qualify in Rockland County.
  • Do not make immediate decisions under pressure. Take time to research and compare contractors.
  • Never pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract and schedule reasonable payments.
  • If approached by an unsolicited contractor, contact Rockland County Consumer Protection immediately.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected] or 845-364-3901.

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Government

Rockland County Honors Marine Corps Veteran Elizabeth Rubio with 2025 Freedom Award

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7 days ago

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March 26, 2025

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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized a female veteran with the Freedom Award Monday, an annual County honor made to female veterans for outstanding service to our nation.

“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.” said County Executive Ed Day.

The 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Veteran Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio. Rubio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served honorably from 2011 to 2019, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout her career, she held key roles across multiple commands, including Marine Corps Recruiting Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Lisa continued her commitment to others as a Veterans Service Officer in the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. Now pursuing a law degree, she remains devoted to advocacy and service.

“I am so proud to present this award to Lisa who not only has been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated Veteran Service Officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Veterans Service Agency Director, Susan Branam.

“We thank Lisa for her bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Ed Day.

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