Letter to Editor in New Rochelle Sound and Town Report, 9/20 - 9/27/10 by Peggy Godfrey
Many residents of New Rochelle were concerned about low water pressure long before United Water filed for an 54% rate increase.
In the not too distant past mid-rise and high-rise buildings constructed decades ago were being told that to get water to the upper floors, they needed to put in a pump. A United Water official claimed water pressure had been lowered. Most disturbing were reports that fire hydrant fees which are included in local municipal budgets would increase by 300%. In New Rochelle using a lower number of hydrants to lower costs could result still result in increased costs on reduced safety.
No one at the public hearings by the Public Service Commission (PSC) on August 2 was in favor of this enormous rate increase. United Water New Rochelle serves: New Rochelle, Pelham Pelham Manor, Dobbs Ferry, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Eastchester and Hastings. Anyone in any of these communities who was unable to attend this hearing can still make a comment in writing to Honorable Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza 12223-1350 or electronically at Secretary@dps.state.ny.us, referring to case 09--W-0824. Comments can also be made toll free at 1-800-335-2120. Internet comments can be made using a PSC comment form at www.askPSC.com, then clicking "Comment Us" and "Comment Form." All comments must be made or postmarked by September 6, 2010.
Register your protest today to this enormous rate increase.
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Martin Sanchez is an attorney, businessman, and community leader. Sanchez previously served on the New Rochelle Board of Education and has been an outspoken voice for New Rochelle's Latino Community.
