Senator Golden to Water Board: Stop Gouging Our Families

Calls for New York City Water Board to reconsider raising rates on our middle class families

Brooklyn, NY – New York State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I), today is calling for The New York City Water Board not to increase water and sewage fees. As of today, the New York City Water Board is considering a proposal for a 3.35% increase in water rates, making it the 11th increase in as many years, stifling away much needed income from our already struggling middle class families.

“Water/sewer rates have gone from $3.73 in 2003 to $9.27 in 2014 per 100 cubic feet. That’s a 248% in just 11 years. It’s unconscionable to think that we need to raise these rates again. It is getting harder and harder for our middle class families to afford a day in New York City, and all this rate increase would do is bring even more burden on to our families and businesses. I am calling on the Water Board to re-consider this increase, as we need to make life more affordable, not less affordable,” stated Senator Golden.

“I urge all residents of New York City to attend the local water board hearing and have your voices heard. I am also urging the New York City Council to finally take action, and put a freeze on water rate increases in New York City. Enough is enough.”

The New York City Water Board public hearing scheduled for Brooklyn will be on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center at Newtown Creek, 329 Greenpoint Avenue.