Sea Cliff, Glen Head ratepayers mark developments in fight for water

Posted

New York American Water customers in the Sea Cliff district gathered at Metropolitan Bistro on Saturday for their second water rally to celebrate the strides made in their fight for municipal water.

Community activists, village officials, residents and lawmakers joined together to remark the progress made since the Public Service Commission approved a four-year 120 percent rate increase for NYAW in May 2017.

Mayor Edward Lieberman began the meeting by sharing the story of how he met Glen Head resident Agatha Nadel, who he called “the voice, aura, and persona” of the movement. He recalled her ferocity when she attempted to gain public water for the district saying that the impression she made eventually influenced the Village Board to file an article 78 against the PSC.

“The system wasn’t hearing us, and now they are,” Lieberman said.

Several lawmakers attended to commend the residents and their efforts in bringing the issue to the attention of Governor Cuomo, which was merited through mailings sent out by ratepayers after the November rally, and meetings with county officials like Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, who has been seeking action from the state about consolidation of NYAW through her office for months.

Last week, Legislator Josh Lafazan facilitated a meeting between Sea Cliff ratepayers and the Jericho Water District (story on page 2) to discuss the possibility of consolidation in the event that the state condemns NYAW.

“The solidarity from this group of individuals is unbelievable, and truly demonstrates grassroots democracy, and what people can do with sheer grit and effort,” Lafazan said. “We will not stop until this is remedied.”

Assemblymen Michael Montesano and Charles Lavine also spoke. Montesano implored residents to keep pressure on Albany and recommended they email committee chairs in the assembly to further proposed legislation that, if passed, would work to remedy the rate increases and practices imposed by NYAW.

Montesano identified three committees residents could contact: Real Property Taxation, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Ways and Means. “The committee chairs control the agenda,” he said. “If residents write to members of those committees encouraging the release of a bill, then it would go to the floor for a vote.”

“This group has seen solid developments in the last few weeks,” Lavine said. “Water should not be in the control of private companies, and if we can’t monitor what’s going on, we’re at a distinct disadvantage.”

Nadel rounded out the rally by giving a synopsis of the district’s ongoing fight for municipal water services, and its accomplishments thus far. She also listed demands that would be made as the fight continues, including an investigation by the state Attorney General into NYAW and the PSC.

“We need to continue to put pressure on Cuomo to receive quality, affordable water,” Nadel said. “There’s no excuse as to why this can’t be obtained.”

She assured everyone that although they’ve won little battles, their ultimate goal is to win the war. “We’re not done yet.”