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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2007
Contact: John Collins
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Public Advocate Gotbaum Calls for City Crack-Down on Commercial Violators of Unpaid Water Bills; Spare New York Families
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today released the following letter to the Executive Director of the New York City Water Board, Steven Lawitts, urging him to spare New York families an 18 percent water hike. The letter follows last July’s water hike of 11.5 percent, and asks that the city consider other solutions to make-up the water board’s projected deficit.
Full transcript of the letter below:
October 26, 2007
Steven Lawitts
Executive Director
New York City Water Board
59-17 Junction Blvd.
Flushing, NY 11373
Dear Mr. Lawitts:
I am writing you on behalf of many concerned constituents who cannot afford the proposed water rate increase. The potential mid-year hike would raise water rates by 18 percent – adding to the already staggering water bills incurred by New York families and seniors. With climbing housing costs already driving middle-class families out of New York City, many residents simply can't afford another rate increase.
No one questions that the projected budget deficit facing the city’s water system is a serious situation; with $600 million in unpaid water bills still outstanding, the city must take steps to bring violators to task.
But past efforts to increase revenue by hiking rates have not solved this problem. As recently as last July, the city raised water rates by 11.5 percent – a hike that added $72 to the average water and sewer bill for a single-family home. And yet, last month, water bill payments plunged to $118 million, down from $134 million in September of last year.
As Public Advocate for the City of New York, I recommend that the city step up efforts to crack down on large commercial violators - the major source of outstanding payments - before asking families and seniors to dig deeper into their pockets. Meanwhile, many of New York’s seniors are barely able to afford their current water bills. And many of them have complained that their bills are incorrect.
There are alternatives. Elected officials have already proposed many solutions that would help make-up the water board’s projected deficit. I’m asking that the water board reconsider the proposed hike and explore all of the alternatives thoroughly. Please focus your efforts on taking common-sense steps to raise revenue, rather than putting an unfair burden on New Yorkers who play by the rules.
Sincerely,
Betsy Gotbaum
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