By Philip Newman
City Councilman David Weprin (D−Hollis) hopes to present petitions listing thousands of opponents of a 14 percent water rate hike when he goes before the city Water Board later this month.
“If enacted, the Water Board would impose a double−digit rate hike for the third year in a row, just when New Yorkers are struggling through the worst of economic times,” Weprin said at a City Hall news conference on April 8.
Weprin, who announced a petition campaign against the proposed 14 percent water rate hike, plans to present to the Water Board what he calls the public’s case against the increase.
Weprin appeared along with Corey Bearak, president of the Queens Civic Congress, and Joe Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, which represents landlords and building management.
Weprin said he hopes to deliver a petition bearing thousands of names April 27 at a Water Board hearing on the proposed water rate increase.
The Water Board announced April 3 that it would seek a 14 percent increase in water rates, which are now 25 percent more than in 2006.
The board would then vote on whether to raise water rates. If passed, the increase would take effect July 1.
“Any rate increase would place an additional hardship on homeowners, seniors living on fixed incomes, cooperatives and small businesses,” Weprin said.
“The Water Board has failed to adopt policies that keep the rates as low as possible,” Weprin said. “Enough is enough.”
Members of the seven−person Water Board are appointed by the mayor to two−year terms.
Weprin has announced his candidacy for the office of city comptroller, a job also sought by Council members John Liu (D−Flushing) and Melina Katz (D−Forest Hills).
Those who want to sign the petition can call Weprin’s office for information at 718−465−8202 or 212−788−6984.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e−mail at news@timesledger.com or phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 136.
