SHEEPSHEAD BAY'S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS BLOG

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Homeowners around the city received a letter from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection recently, informing them of a new insurance program covering the water and sewer lines connecting their homes to the public system. The timing of the letter – just weeks after Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on the area’s infrastructure – raised alarm for many, who sent Sheepshead Bites e-mails and Facebook messages wondering if this was a scam.

Well, it’s not. We spoke to Department of Environmental Protection representatives last week, and the program has been in development since long before Sandy.

“In terms of this program, while the timing is a coincidence, it does not have anything to do with Hurricane Sandy,” said Chris Gilbride, communications director for the DEP.

Keep reading to find out more about this program and what it covers.

Photo by Yuriy Semenov

There will be a public hearing of the New York City Water Board at 7:00 p.m., April 24, at Public School 222, 3301 Quentin Road in Marine Park, concerning a proposed seven percent increase on water rates. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Fiscal Year 2013’s water rate increase of seven percent is slated to take effect on July 1, 2012. According to the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, if the rate hike is implemented, based on the average consumption of 80,000 gallons per year, a typical single-family homeowner will see their water and sewer bills increase from $877 per year to $939 per year.

Additionally, the average multi-family unit with metered billing will see an increase from $571 per year for each individual dwelling unit to $610 per year for each dwelling.

The hearing is open to the public. However, residents who wish to speak much register by contacting Diane Easparro at the New York City Water Board at (718) 595-3591 or deasparro@dep.nyc.gov. You must register to speak no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day before the hearing (that’s today!) Remarks are limited to five minutes in length.

According to Midwood Assemblywoman Rhoda S. Jacobs, the New York City Board of Water is proposing to raise water and sewer charges nearly 13 percent next year. Alongside other new fees on the table, city dwellers could end up paying hundreds of dollars more annually. In the letter below, she urges residents to attend a public hearing and say no the proposal. Read on after the jump to see a digital copy of the Water Board’s booklet that she references.

Dear Neighbors:

I am forwarding to you a copy of a booklet my office received from the New York City Board of Water.

According to page 8 of the booklet, an increase of 12.9% has been planned for FY 2011. This would raise the annual water-and-sewer charge from approximately $723 per household to $816 in 2011. The proposal also includes an introductory 1% discount for customers who have metered billing and who subscribe to have their bills automatically debited from their checking account. Those that subscribes to direct debit will have an increase of approximately $85 per year, compared to the $93 increase for non-subscribers.

In addition to the general 12.9% increase and the 1% direct debit discount for metered-billed customers, the Board is considering the following changes:

1. A new sewage charge for storm water not to exceed $0.05 per square foot of property area will be introduced for standalone parking lots that do not pay for wastewater service because they do not receive drinking water service, which is used to calculate wastewater charges under the current rate structure. A credit program will be offered for parking lots implementing Stormwater Best Management Practices based on criteria and standards established by the City.
2. The water shut-off fee will be increased from $500 to $1,000.
3. The hydrant flow test fee will be increased from $250 to $500.
4. A new backflow prevention plan review fee of $350.
5. A new backflow exemption approval fee of $100.

The Water Board will hold public hearings on the proposed FY2011 rates and charges for water and wastewater service.

Public School 102
211 72nd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Thursday, May 13, 2010
7:00 p.m.

Anyone who wishes to testify at a hearing should contact Kevin Kunkle at (718) 595-3601 to register no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day before the hearing. Oral testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes duration. A copy of any prepared or written statement may be submitted for the Board’s consideration by 5:00 p.m. on May 14, 2010 to :

Kevin Kundle at New York City Water Board
59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor
Flushing, NY 11373
or email kkunkle@dep.nyc.gov

As always, please contact my office for assistance.

Assemblywoman Rhoda S. Jacobs
(718) 434-0446

View the DEP/NYC Water Board’s pamphlet