Government

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

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2024

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.

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.