Dinowitz: Hudson bridge toll rebate omission concerning

In a bit of an ironic twist, Riverdale — the part of the Bronx that welcomes drivers coming off the Henry Hudson Bridge — was left off the MTA’s list of ZIP codes of drivers with E-ZPasses who are supposed to receive a long sought-after toll rebate.

In addition to Riverdale’s 10471, the areas of Woodlawn, Wakefield and Eastchester were omitted from the list on the MTA’s website.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz addressed the Henry Hudson toll rebate concerns in an Instagram post on Jan. 9.

“My office is aware of the oversight by the MTA regarding zip codes 10466, 10470, and 10471 not being included in the Henry Hudson Bridge Toll Rebate and has contacted the MTA and E-ZPass to inform them of the issue,” the post read.

"The rebate is for all Bronx residents with a funded E-ZPass and vehicles registered in the Bronx, which I had initially secured in the agreement. The rebate I fought hard for takes effect on February 3rd, 2024; in the interim, my office will ensure the issue is corrected.”

The statement addresses the MTA Rebate Program, which currently provides Bronx residents a rebate for the $3.18 price tag of the Henry Hudson Bridge. The current requirements a resident must meet to qualify are a valid E-ZPass and an address within one of the named zip codes. 

Dinowitz fought for Bronx resident’s access to the program. In an earlier statement released on Dec. 13 he wrote, “Bronx residents with a car registered in the borough and a funded EZ-Pass will receive an instant rebate.”

His letter states the program will take effect in February of the new year.

“I vigorously pushed for this measure, recognzining the undue burden tolls impose on Bronx residents using this short bridge,” said Dinowitz.

As of Tuesday evening, the E-ZPass website cites many ZIP codes eligible for the toll rebate program but leaves out the area codes for 10466, 10470, and 10471.

— Izania Gonzalez

MLK Day of Service

The UJA-Federation of New York is going to host the annual MLK (Martin Luther King Jr.) Day of Service at the Riverdale Y on Sunday, Jan. 14 and Monday, Jan. 15.

On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., student volunteers will promote environmental awareness and create herb kits for local food pantries at the Y.

On Monday, student volunteers will create hygiene kits for local migrant communities from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone looking to help out needs to RSVP to Julie Falvo, jfalvo@rubenstein.com

— Gary Larkin

Dr. Ruth loneliness ambassador

Gov. Kathy Hochul last month released a public service announcement on loneliness during the holiday season in partnership with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, New York’s recently appointed honorary ambassador to loneliness.

In the PSA, which has run on social media sites, the governor and Dr. Westheimer discuss tips for individuals experiencing social isolation and urge all New Yorkers to check on friends.

“This holiday season, let’s recommit ourselves to ending the loneliness epidemic in New York,” Hochul said. “We have many resources available for those who may struggle with social isolation, and together with my friend Ambassador Ruth we’ll make sure New Yorkers know they have somewhere to turn.”

More than one-third of adults 45 or older experience loneliness, with nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older considered socially isolated, a recent study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found.

Loneliness is defined as the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact, while social isolation refers to a lack of social connections.

Social isolation significantly increased the risk of premature death from all causes, the study found, rivaling the risk posed by other detrimental health conditions or behaviors, including smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.