By Philip Newman
City Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis) has announced a petition campaign against a proposal for a 14 percent increase in the cost of water.
“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 told a City Hall news conference Wednesday.
Weprin appeared along with Corey Bearak, president of the Queens Civic Congress, and Joe Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, representing landlords and building management.
Weprin said he hopes to deliver a petition bearing thousands of names on April 27 at a Water Board hearing on the proposed water rate increase.
The board would then vote on whether to raise water rates.
“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.
Those who want to sign a petition can call Weprin’s office for information at 212 788-6984.
