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March 27, 2024

I need to clarify an issue after seeing several social media posts containing incorrect information on the accessibility issues facing the Woodlawn Station. These posts alleged that Council Member Eric Dinowitz and I are doing nothing to improve the quality of life for the station's commuters. Unlike residents of many other communities not currently receiving accessibility improvements at their train stations, we have a commitment from the MTA to install elevator service at this railroad station. I have been one of the strongest advocates for accessibility for our train and railroad stations. That includes the Mosholu and Jerome Avenue station on the #4 Subway line, the West 242nd and Broadway station on the #1 Subway line, and the Nereid Avenue and White Plains Road station on the #2 Subway line.

I pressed hard for accessibility for the Woodlawn Metro-North Harlem Line Station by adding elevator service. I got the commitment to do this some time ago, which is being awarded later this year, 2024. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The project is estimated to be finished in the middle of 2027.

Let me reiterate: I went to the MTA to request that this station be made handicap accessible. I insisted upon this and received the commitment to have elevator service installed at the Woodlawn Metro-North Station, which is in the current capital plan. I look forward to being there when the first person can use the elevator service. I will continue to fight for the needs of the Woodlawn and Wakefield residents, as well as every constituent throughout my district.

I attended the 1199 and NY Caring Majority Rally in Albany, advocating for crucial homecare needs and fair pay funding. Every voice counts in ensuring dignity and support for caregivers.

The New York Caring Majority movement envisions a world where care is prioritized, ensuring everyone can access healthcare and home care when needed. This involves recognizing and valuing care work by providing care workers with fair wages and benefits. The agenda includes passing the New York Health Act for comprehensive healthcare coverage, including long-term care, and implementing the Fair Pay for Home Care Act to address the shortage of home care workers by increasing wages and ensuring proper distribution of funds to workers and providers.

I participated in a crucial press conference supporting legislation prohibiting flavored vapor product sales near retail or wholesale tobacco outlets. We must protect our youth from the dangers of e-cigarettes and curb Big Tobacco's predatory practices.

The U.S. Surgeon General labeled youth e-cigarette use as an epidemic due to health risks, including cardiovascular disease and nicotine addiction. Flavored e-cigarettes are particularly concerning as they attract young users. New York State banned flavored e-cigarettes in 2020, but enforcement has been challenging, with some retailers hiding products. Tobacco companies circumvent bans by using additives for a menthol-like sensation. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen laws by explicitly banning flavored e-cigarettes and imposing fines for hindering inspections to protect young people from e-cigarette dangers.

Pictured (from left to right): State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Kevin O'Flaherty from Tobacco-Free Kids.

I met with the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS (HGAR) in Albany. HGAR works to create opportunities for members to grow their businesses and succeed in their communities. I had the chance to listen to their concerns and give them my thoughts on these issues.

HGAR is dedicated to supporting its members in growing their businesses and succeeding in their communities. They believe realtors are essential to neighborhoods, driving the economy, facilitating homeownership, and protecting clients. The association is committed to helping its members thrive, with 92 percent of member dues allocated to member services. They provide tools, data, and resources, including access to accurate real estate data through the Multiple Listing Service. HGAR serves the Manhattan, Westchester, Hudson Valley, and surrounding areas, focusing on the needs of residential real estate brokers.

Pictured (from left to right): Assembly Member Nader J. Sayegh, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky.

BRONX, NY – ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ HENRY HUDSON BRIDGE TOLL REBATE NOW IN EFFECT FOR BRONXITES

My Henry Hudson Bridge Toll Rebate Program for Bronxites successfully took effect on February 3rd, 2024. I negotiated this program into the state budget in 2019. It was scheduled to take effect in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be funded through the Outer Borough Transportation Account, established in 2018, to enhance transportation resources in the outer boroughs. Under the program, Bronxites with passenger cars registered in the Bronx and a funded E-ZPass account will get an instant rebate every time they cross the Henry Hudson Bridge. The bridge is one of the shortest bridges in the city. Hence, the toll on the bridge has always irked people. It used to be known as the "10-cent bridge" years ago. Currently, the toll on the bridge is $8.25 one way without an E-ZPass and $3.18 one way with an E-ZPass. Under this program, your account will be charged and instantly credited for the same amount (in essence, free) for Bronxites.

I worked hard during the budget negotiations to make this available for all Bronxites. It is only fair that residents of the Bronx are not subjected to an extra toll when crossing this particular bridge into Manhattan. Especially given that every other bridge providing access to Manhattan from the Bronx is toll-free. Currently, many people avoid this toll and drive into Kingsbridge and Marble Hill, causing additional congestion and pollution in these neighborhoods. Once this program takes effect, some people will save hundreds, even thousands of dollars annually. I am very proud that I could get this in the state budget, and I am thankful to Governor Hochul and the MTA for implementing this fantastic idea.

Starting Friday, March 1, ALL New York City Businesses Must Put Trash in Lidded Bins!

The New York City Department of Sanitation is reminding all City businesses that starting Friday, March 1, they must use a lidded bin when placing their trash at the curb for collection.

This rule is the next phase in the City’s Trash Revolution, continuing the Adams administration’s work of moving towards full containerization of trash; food-related and chain businesses have been required to use lidded trash bins since last fall. Additionally, rules requiring some residences to use lidded containers for their trash will take effect later this year.

Trash bags left on the sidewalk can easily break, leaking food waste and attracting rats. Placing trash into rigid, lidded containers reduces odors and vermin and keeps streets and sidewalks cleaner.

There will be a one-month warning period. Later, businesses that violate the trash container rules will be subject to fines, starting at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for all subsequent offenses. This requirement does not apply to recyclables or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

To educate businesses on their new responsibilities, the Department sent mailers to all covered establishments. Additionally, the rules were featured prominently on the Department’s social media accounts, and Sanitation personnel held info sessions and spoke at community meetings. Businesses can register for an info session in multiple languages and get additional details on the rules at nyc.gov/UseBins.

Businesses have substantial flexibility on the type and location of containers they utilize, provided they have a lid and secure sides that keep rats out. Containers may be stored either inside or within three feet of the property line.

Between the commercial containerization effort and sweeping new residential rules, 70% of the city’s trash is headed into containers. By moving the black bags off the streets and into sealed, rodent-proof receptacles, we are reclaiming public spaces, cutting off the 24-hour rat buffet, and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Information about the historic decline in rat sightings that occurred after these rules began to take effect can be seen here.

Each week, we provide new streets and their histories, all reprinted from John McNamara's "History in Asphalt," which gives in-depth origins of how current and former Bronx Streets got their name! I picked the two streets for this week from Riverdale: Hadley Avenue and Kipp Road.

Hadley Avenue: William Hadley owned 257 acres of land extending from the Hudson River to the Albany Post Road (Broadway), 1761-1786. This tract was sold by Hadley's executors in 1829 to the Delafield family. Bromley's Map of 1891 calls this street Yonkers Avenue as it pointed north to that city. The upper end was briefly known as Half Moon Place, evidently recalling Henry Hudson's ship that sailed there. It has since been eliminated as a city street, and housing is on the site.

Kipp Road: This Riverdale road is laid out across the tract once owned by the Delafield family. The Kipps are an old Dutch family, and this particular landowner ran a famous roadside tavern at Southern Boulevard and Fordham Road.

New York State Senate, March 21st, 2024 — Sen. Gounardes Joins New ‘Rider Representation Coalition’ to Rally for Voting Rights for Riders on the MTA Board

Spectrum News NY 1, March 21st, 2024 — Israel-Hamas war fosters 'tension' among Albany lawmakers

Times Union, March 22nd, 2024 — Commentary: Green Transit, Green Jobs bill supports New York's goals for climate and economy

The Riverdale Press, March 24th, 2024 — Legislation to mitigate future fires

On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican from Florida, enacted legislation prohibiting children under 14 from having personal social media accounts. This move aligns Florida with several other states, such as Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Ohio, and Utah, which have passed similar laws recently. These measures aim to regulate tech companies, citing safety as a primary concern.

Last week, I asked, "Does the United States have an obligation to rescue United States Citizens in Haiti?"

Yes — 83%

No — 11%

Other / No opinion — 6%

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events throughout March 2024

Forest Restoration Fridays

Friday, March 29 - Meet at 9 am

Dive into spring by helping us remove invasive species like multi-flora rose and garlic mustard. Gear up for hands-on conservation work and learn about the forest’s ecosystem.

RSVP Now.

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Woodlawn Thursdays

Thursday, March 28 - Meet at 9 am

Together, we will combat invasive species, like multi-flora roses, porcelain berries, and more, to prepare for the spring planting season.

RSVP Now.

Meet at Woodlawn Playground.

April Sneak Peek!

Urban Environmental Challenge

Saturday, April 6 - starting at 10 am

Our friends at Van Cortlandt Track Club are hosting a hilly and rugged technical race on the wooded trails of VCP. A portion of race proceeds will be dedicated to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s trail maintenance and youth programs.

Register Now.

Family Fun Day in Woodlawn

Saturday, April 20 - 1 pm to 4 pm

An afternoon of family fun featuring Face Painting, NYRR Mobile Van, Woodland Family Walks, Nature Crafts, Bocce, Games, and more to come!

Check out our event page for more details.

Summer Internships!

Urban Ecology Teens (UET) Internship

UET Crew Leaders

Part-Time • Seasonal

Crew Leaders (2) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Urban Ecology Teen Internship program (Eco-Teens). Through special projects and enrichment activities, Crew Leaders will teach basic plant identification and lead basic forest, aquatic, and trail restoration work.

Apply Now!

UET Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 16, 2024

Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens) is a paid internship for high school students that prepares them for college, stewardship, and natural resource management professions. Interns learn about local flora and fauna, go on nature-focused field trips, and explore green career opportunities with natural resource professionals.

Applications close on April 19, 2024.

Garden 2 Market (G2M) Internship

G2M Crew Leader

Part-Time • Seasonal

The Crew Leader (1) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Garden 2 Market Internship. The Crew Leader will be responsible for supporting 6 high school G2M interns as they learn how to maintain a garden, run a farm stand, and explore issues of the local food system.

Apply Now!

G2M Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 21, 2024

Garden 2 Market (G2M) is a paid internship for high school students where they spend their summer exploring the local food system and building community at VCPA’s garden and market. When we understand where our food comes from and where it goes, we can make better decisions about what we buy and eat!

Applications close on April 12, 2024.

» NYC Parks — Hiring for the Summer!

• Help keep the Bronx's green spaces beautiful and safe!

• If you have a driver's license, we are looking for City Park Workers at a salary of $20.89 an hour. We also have City Seasonal Aide positions available for non-drivers at $18.00 an hour.

• For quick application to these positions, scan the code on the flyer or to the right or visit bit.ly/parks24bx

» KRVC — GALLERY 505 Presents "Daylight Tibbetts En Plein Air," A Solo Exhibit By Noel Hefele, January 4th - March 29th

• Art Exhibit located at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Gallery Hours are Friday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, viewings by appointment

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» NYC Parks — Orchard Beach Pavilion Reconstruction, Construction Career and Resource Fair, April 4th

• This event is taking place on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at the Greek American Institute (3573 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10461)

• Meet contractor representatives and learn about available opportunities and apprenticeships

• Attend for Connecting with programs that provide training, apprenticeships, and access to careers in skilled construction trades; meet general contractors who are performing work at Orchard Beach and around New York City; Engage with union representatives and construction trade partners restoring the facility and obtain assistance with resume building.

• Register in advance for a quicker check-in by scanning the QR code (either on the flyer or in the text box). For any questions related to the event, please email contact OBPavillion@Gilbaneco.com

» Kingsbridge Library LINC— Stepping Stones, Why Our Toddlers Talk and How to Respond

• The event will be held on April 10th, 12th, 17th, and 19th at Kingsbridge Library Center, 310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY 10458.

• This session gives caregivers insight into four types of toddler communication and how to respond. It gives caregivers tools to detect what a toddler is engaging in and what is the best way to respond to develop their language. Caregiver workshops designed for 2-3 year olds.

• For more information, contact Araceli Farciert at afarciert@linknyc.org, visit bit.ly/kltalk24 , or scan the QR Code on the flyer or in this text box

» 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Spring 2024 Field Trips, FREE for New York City Schools, Started January 16th

• Reservations are now open for Spring 2024 field trips at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Beginning January 16, we'll offer interactive on-site and virtual programs that help students understand what happened on 9/11 and its ongoing relevance today.

•Thanks to public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, both on-site and virtual field trips are FREE for New York City schools. Proof of eligibility will be determined using a school’s zip code and subsequently confirmed by Museum staff.  

•Fill out a booking request form to plan your on-site student field trip to the Museum. To schedule a virtual field trip, visit our Virtual Field Trips page. Space is limited for all programs, and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are appropriate for students in grades 3 through 12. We look forward to welcoming you!

» KRVC — Community Karaoke at KRVC, February 2024

• Fridays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• All ages and all languages are welcome. Bring your snacks and support your local food spots.

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» NYC Parks — The BE BOLD Afterschool Dance Program, February 12th - May 1st, 2024

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Willliamsbridge Oval Recreation Center (3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY).

• NYC Parks, in partnership with the Misty Copeland Foundation, invites children ages 6 - 13 years to enroll in the BE BOLD afterschool Dance program, which is a fun introductory ballet class with live music. The BE BOLD program offers a new approach to afterschool dance education, and our core values are Leadership, Curiosity, Kindness, Knowledge, Persistence, and an Appreciation of Dance and Music. Please register with Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov or call (718) 543-8672.

• Participants must have an NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership. Membership is free for youth and young adults 24 years and under.

• For more information, call (718) 543-8672, Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov, or visit nyc.gov/parks. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Springtime Shingdig! May 16th

Save the Date: Springtime Shindig is on Thursday, May 16!

Join us!

Cocktails • Lite Bites • Dessert

Music • Picturesque Setting • Raffle

HONOREES

Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award:

Nina Habib Spencer

Carol J. Samol

Cultivating the Bronx Award:

Daylighting Tibbetts Brook Team

NYC Parks, Natural Resources Group

Department of Environmental Protection

Hazen and Sawyer

Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects & Planners

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality 

Tickets: $300

Sponsorship from $1,000

Journal ads from $250

Proceeds from the Springtime Shindig support Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education programs for Bronx kids and teens, ecological restoration and research, and community stewardship programs in Van Cortlandt Park.

The painting above is part of the “Daylighting Tibbetts en Plein Air” by Noel Hefele.

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

Stay updated through X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov