The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has just proposed a 12.9% increase in water rates to the Water Board. The Board, made up of Mayoral appointees, will consider the proposal and hear testimony from the public at a series of hearings throughout the boroughs, and vote on the increase on May 21. If approved, water rates will see their fourth consecutive double-digit increase beginning on July 1. Overall, rates will have jumped 124% in a single decade, and 78% in just the past five years!
The Bronx hearing will be on Thursday, May 6 at 6:00 PM at P.S. 14 (3041 Bruckner Blvd). It may be easier for some west Bronx residents to make it one of the Manhattan hearings: Friday, May 7 at 2:00 PM at the City Planning Commission (22 Reade St), and Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM at PS 124 (40 Division St).
We will have more on the proposed increase to water rates this afternoon.
