Lynbrook Residents Facing Steep Water Rate Hike

Lynbrook customers of New York American Water are facing a steep rate hike later this year, unless the state approves a plan by the company to spread the increases out over a few years.

According to Newsday, Lynbrook customers serviced by the water utility are due for a 12.5 percent rate hike on April 1. The hike was originally planned to go into effect last year, but was delayed. Newsday reported that the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the increase, but has not yet approved a plan to spread it out.

The current rate structure was set in 2018, after the company faced steep backlash from customers and politicians over huge rate hikes that hit customers without warning. The plan, which was approved by the PSC, spread out New York American Water's planned rate hikes over four years.

The company's new plan would spread out these further rate hikes more. Instead of ending in 2021 as in the original plan, the rate changes would extend to 2o24 to lessen the impact on customers, according to documents filed with the PSC.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who represents Lynbrook, said he is working to make sure the rate increase doesn't happen and that he's optimistic it won't.

"Bottom line, this company needs to go, and that gives us an opportunity to demand further rate relief from whoever comes next—and maybe water that is a little less brown too," he wrote on Facebook.

Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach also called out the plan to increase rates on village residents.

"I am outraged to be reading about how once again the water company plans to hike rates on our community," he wrote on Facebook. "Last year, with Deputy Mayor Mike Hawxhurst and the village board, we found a way to put together a budget that froze village taxes in 2019 despite having to do more with less. Unfortunately, our leaders at the state level, along with the state-appointed PSC, don’t seem to have the same mindset. They have failed us again as water rates continue to skyrocket out of control. Our state leaders must find a way to act now and eliminate this increase to stop the endless financial assault on our residents."