TIMES, THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014 • 8 SELECTING A SOLUTION by Robert Pozarycki The city’s water rate is poised to climb again—but according to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the squeeze on property owners will be gentler than in previous years. DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd announced last Wednesday, Apr. 23, the agency recommends a 3.35 percent water rate hike to the New York City Water Board for the 2015 fiscal year, which begins this July. The uptick, Lloyd stated, is the lowest in nine years, more than two points below last year’s 5.6 percent spike and less than half of the projected 7.8 percent increase for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the commissioner noted the Water Board would be asked to freeze minimum water and sewer charges for property owners who use less than 100 gallons of water per day—about 25 percent of all singlefamily homes. The minimum daily charge for these residents—many of whom, Lloyd stated, are senior citizens— would remain $1.27 per day. “By cutting costs, refinancing higher interest debt and reducing the rental payment, we are able to deliver the lowest rate increase in nearly a decade, and the 25 percent of singlefamily homeowners who use the least water will not receive any increase at all,” Lloyd stated. “In addition, we have put together a package of six initiatives to provide relief for customers who experience a leak or an unusually high bill, and to make the appeals process easier and faster.” The cost-cutting measures included redirecting 10 percent of its 2014 rental payment to the water and sewer system, saving ratepayers $22 million. Further savings were achieved through the previous refinancing of $7.9 billion in DEP debt since 2009, which put $2.3 billion back in the city’s coffers over the past five years. Higher-than-anticipated revenues are also stemming the water rate tide, according to the DEP. Through Apr. -SEE WATER ON PG. 53- the corridor. Eric Beaton, director of the SBS program, opened the workshop encouraging community input and clarifying the night’s goal: “We are at the very beginning of the process so we really want to get feedback from all of you on how to take this project forward.” The meeting was part of the DOT’s Woodhaven Boulevard Congested Corridor study that examines existing and future transportation issues using consultants, data collection and community outreach. Data collection on Woodhaven Boulevard began in 2006 with initial improvements implemented in 2010 and each year thereafter. Improvements included retiming lights, repainting road markings, improving signage and modifying crosswalks. High traffic speeds, long distances at pedestrian crossings and severe congestion at major intersections and overpasses are some key issues the study and the community agree on. Also, side medians make turning difficult from the main road and sometimes forces buses onto the by Matthew Van Deventer Select Bus Service (SBS) was presented by officials as one of many solutions for the congested Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards during a workshop last Wednesday night, Apr. 23, at J.H.S. 210 in Ozone Park. After a presentation by the MTA, residents had the opportunity to break out into groups and work directly with city Department of Transportation (DOT) officials to voice concerns and suggestions for -SEE BOULEVARD ON PG. 52- Enhanced Bus Svc. Eyed At Ozone Pk. Meet Another Water Rate Hike Coming For Homeowners DEP: Cost-Cutting Reduces Spike Students Of The Month In Woodhaven Assemblyman Mike Miller came to P.S. 306, the Academy for Discovery, in Woodhaven last Friday Apr. 25 to present several students with student of the month certificates in recognition of their achievement. Miller is pictured with school principal Cheryl Ann Leone, and the honored students: Ishaan Alas, Madison Rey, Andrew Balgobin, Wilson Pan, Deven Rangasamy, Shayla Astudilla, Annan Ahmed, Emma Nazim, Christopher Escoto, Noah Arias, Bibi Ismail, Noel Degante, Elizabeth Moonilal and Nafisa Azizi. ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - GKIWANIS DDEENNTTAALL CCAARREE FFOORR TTHHEE EENNTTIRREE FFAAMMILLYY Santa LoCascio, D.D.S., P.C. PRROOVVIDDINNGG PRROOFFESSIOONNAALL && PERRSOONNAALLIZEDD CCAARRE 70-16 FRESH POND RD., RIDGEWOOD, N.Y. The Sky’s The Limit On That Important Day! Don’s Photography Call For Package Specials 1-718-277-5161 © Times Newsweekly 2014 — DON’S PHOTO ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - DR.LOCASCIO/A 1-718-628-6588 Our Complete Dental Cleaning (Includes X-ray, Exam & Cleaning) Any Filling, Extraction or Emergency Visit $99 $99 We also accept most insurances Like Us On Facebook
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