Senator Klein meets with leaders across Westchester County to combat United Water New Rochelle rate increases
NEW YORK, NY- State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) has joined in the fight against proposed United Water New Rochelle (UWNR) rate hikes. Klein met with leaders from Bronxville, Eastchester, Pelham Manor, Village of Pelham and New Rochelle on Thursday, April 29th to discuss how the increases are expected to affect municipalities.
The leaders are part of a newly created consortium representing nine municipalities, seven in the 34th Senate District, that stand in opposition to the increases.
“Westchester residents are already hammered with sky-rocketing property taxes and widespread lay-offs, it is disheartening to see a water company trying to suck more money out of people’s pockets. I strongly urge United Water New Rochelle to reconsider these proposed rate hikes,” said Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).
In November 2009, UWNR filed a one-year rate case with the Public Service Commission (PSC), seeking a 55% water rate increase to municipalities. The hike would affect residents in New Rochelle, Ardsley, Bronxville, Eastchester, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Pelham, Pelham Manor and Tuckahoe and increase water bills by nearly two-hundred-fifty dollars. UWNR also proposed increasing fire hydrant maintenance rates from $672 to $1,308.
During last week’s meeting, consortium representatives expressed their objections to the proposed rate hikes -including how they believe UWNR has not adequately made the case for increases as well as the overall resident dissatisfaction with the services UWNR currently provides.
In response, Klein promised to relay the concerns of residents as well as detail objections to the proposed increases in a formal letter to PSC officials. In addition, Klein’s office is contacting UWNR directly to express the dismay and anger of constituents regarding the proposed hikes and if necessary, considering holding a public hearing on the issue.
Senator, your a little late
Senator, your a little late jumping in on this, but we’ll take any support in trying to fend the rate hike off.
Why aren’t you in Albany pressing for a budget? Its a month overdue, why can’t you pass a budget? I can’t run my household without a budget, so you should stop blogging and work to get the states finances in order.