Lynbrook speaks out: Anger about water hikes overflows

The villages of Lynbrook, Valley Stream and Cedarhurst have formed a Municipal Consortium in Support of Reasonable Water Rates to oppose Long Island American Water’s 19.59 percent rate increase proposal submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission in April, village officials say. East Rockaway is endorsing the villages’ decision, according to Village Clerk Doris Piedimonte.

“It is outrageous to raise taxpayer rates at this time,” said Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick, “and I will fight it every step of the way.”

The village of Lynbrook sent a letter to the PSC in May, expressing its opposition to the increase, which would generate $9.56 million in additional revenue for the utility. Hendrick stressed how difficult any major rate hike would be for residents as well as the village Fire Department, which is charged $250,000 per year by LIAW to use fire hydrants. He urged LIAW representatives to minimize the financial impact on ratepayers.

Village Administrator John Giordano said that when it comes to opposing the increase, there is strength in numbers. “We contacted other municipalities affected by the increase to join the consortium,” Giordano said, “because the more people that are aware, the more influence we have over the Public Service Commission’s consideration.”

Since the consortium was formed two months ago, LIAW’s parent company, American Water Works, has acquired Aqua New York. “LIAW does not intend to reduce its 20 percent rate increase nor share any of the savings to our residents from the merger,” Hendrick said. “Their proposal only benefits their shareholders.”

“Regardless of what villages join in the consortium or not, we are still going ahead to fight the increase,” Giordano said. “Even if it means making petitions available to residents expressing displeasure with the increase in today’s economic climate.”

East Rockaway lends support