Lynbrook, East Rockaway residents react to water rate hike

State schedules public meeting for Oct. 26

Posted

Residents will soon get two chances to comment on an 8.5 percent rate hike proposed by New York American Water, a private water company that supplies communities across the South Shore.

The New York State Department of Public Service, which oversees the Public Service Commission, has scheduled public hearings in Malverne and Wantagh on Oct. 26. The Malverne meeting will be held at Village Hall at 1 p.m. The Wantagh meeting will take place in Wantagh High School’s auditorium at 7 p.m. The hike would impact residents and businesses all across Long Island, including Lynbrook and East Rockaway.

Residents and business owners across the South Shore call the rate hike exorbitant. But, American Water officials say the increase is needed to fund infrastructure repairs and improvements, but that reasoning doesn’t satisfy some residents and local business owners.

“These districts and municipalities are making it really easy for families to look at [moving to] other states,” said East Rockaway resident Dan Caracciolo said about the proposal. “It’s sad. I love my community and Long Island, but I’m not sure this is sustainable.”

New York American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water company in New York, providing water and wastewater services to about 350,000 people across the state. Nationwide, the company serves 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. NYAW filed with the PSC for the rate increase in April to raise revenue by $8.49 million, while adding $150 million for infrastructure projects to improve water quality and service reliability, according to company officials.

“If the rate hike is for infrastructure that’s OK,” said Michael Clancy, owner of Lynbrook Bagels, said with a sarcastic laugh. “Better that than unjustified raises.” Clancy made it clear how unhappy he was with the possible increase, adding that he is angered that his water bill is “already through the roof,” as he expressed how unhappy he was with the possible increase.

Clancy isn’t the only local business owner bothered by the proposal. Vinny Sorrentino, a co-owner of Angelina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Lynbrook, was also outspoken about a potential hike. Sorrentino said his water bill is already nearly $600 a month, and would increase by $50 per month if the hike were approved.

“It’s crazy,” he said. “Business is hard as it is with the economy. They always say rate hikes are for improvement, but public utilities get to raise their prices whenever they want without repercussions. They’re a monopoly.”

American Water officials said they have submitted evidence to the PSC, they say, to justify the hike.

“Over the last four years, New York American Water has made significant improvements to replace aging infrastructure and improve water quality for our customers,” said company President Brian Bruce.

According to American Water officials, proposed infrastructure projects are driving the rate increase, including the completion of two iron-removal treatment facilities in Roosevelt and Lakeview. An iron-removal treatment plant is also under construction off Cornwell Avenue in Malverne.

Although an hour for community input has been set aside for each of the upcoming forums, both will remain open until everyone wishing to speak is heard, according to the Department of Public Service. You can also share your opinion online: go to www.dps.ny.gov, search for case number 16-W-0259 and give a written statement on the “Public Comments” tab. A toll-free number, (800) 335-2120, has also been set up to accept public communications. All comments must be in by Nov. 4.