Department of Environmental Protection Proposes Fiscal Year 2025 Water Rate

 

If Approved, the Cost of Water in New York City Would Remain Well Below the National Average; Drainage Upgrades, Protection of the City’s Water Supply and Investments in Critical Water Delivery Tunnels will be Focus of Future Investments

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Friday proposed an 8.5 percent increase in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) water rate during a presentation to the New York City Water Board. While the cost of most goods and services are higher in New York City than elsewhere, the proposed rate would keep the cost of water in the city well below the national average. DEP is also hopeful that new guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will unlock additional federal and state funding to help keep water rates affordable. The proposed rate is subject to review and approval by the New York City Water Board. There will be a public hearing in each of the five boroughs during May and June where residents will have the opportunity to provide their input to members of the Water Board. “Fully funding the City’s critical drinking water, stormwater and wastewater systems while keeping costs for New Yorkers well below the national average is a testament to effective management of the system and the commitment of our nearly 6,000 employees,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “If our partners in New York State implement the guidance EPA released last week to remove the caps on lead service line replacement funding we could keep water rates as low as possible and allow disadvantaged communities in New York City to access their fair share of this historic funding.” Revenue Historically, the lien sale process for water and sewer receivables has been an effective tool for managing past due water and sewer bills. However, there has been no water and sewer lien sale since Fiscal Year 2019. During the ensuing five years the balance for accounts receivable has grown to over $1 billion and this contributes directly to the need for a water rate increase. The Administration is working with the City Council on a possible reauthorization of the lien-sale. In the meantime, DEP moved ahead with a one-time amnesty program for seriously delinquent accounts in 2023. This resulted in $105 million in incremental customer payments and delivered $22 million in savings to customers through forgiven interest payments. In addition, at the end of 2023 DEP began mailing Water Shutoff Notices to more than 600 seriously delinquent accounts. This has resulted in approximately $3 million in customer payments to date. DEP is also partnering with outside counsel to collect large unpaid balances from multi-family properties. Unlocking New York City’s Fair Share of Water Infrastructure Funding Last week, the Biden administration announced the availability of a new portion of a total of $15 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the replacement of privately owned drinking water service lines that are made of lead, as well as a new memorandum that clarifies how states can use this funding and ensure its equitable distribution. In New York, the State Environmental Facilities Corporation is responsible for distributing money from federal and state sources such as this to municipalities including New York City. Thus far, New York State has imposed population and dollar caps that have significantly limited the amount of grant funding that New York City is eligible for, especially in relation to smaller municipalities. As a result, New York City has received just single-digit percentages of various state and federal water infrastructure grants controlled by New York State, despite accounting for 44 percent of the State’s population, 59 percent of its disadvantaged communities, and nearly 60 percent of the State’s tax revenue. In contrast, the EPA’s new memorandum, dated May 1, says that “States should also review their… program requirements to ensure they do not unintentionally deter disadvantaged communities from participation,” and “state caps on the amount of additional subsidy a recipient can receive, may make it more difficult for disadvantaged communities with significant numbers of lead service lines to carry out an effective [lead service line replacement] program.” Capital Investments Large-scale capital improvements that will continue to be funded by the proposed increase include the ongoing construction of the following projects: the $1.6 billion Combined Sewer Overflow Retention Tanks for the Gowanus Canal, the $1 billion repair of the Delaware Aqueduct, the build-out of a $2.6 billion comprehensive drainage system for Southeast Queens, the construction of thousands of additional Green Infrastructure installations, and the excavation of the final shafts for the Brooklyn/Queens leg of City Water Tunnel No. 3. Rental Payment As indicated in the administration’s preliminary budget, and as has been historical practice pursuant to the terms of the Water Board’s lease of city water and wastewater infrastructure, the city has requested a “rental payment” of $145 million in FY24 and $289 million in FY25 from water rate proceeds. Similar requests are projected for FY26 – FY28. NYC Water Rates are Below the Average of Large U.S. Cities NYC water rates are approximately 21 percent below the average for the thirty largest U.S. cities, as measured using typical single-family residential water usage of 70,000 gallons/year.

What the Proposed Rate Would Mean for an Average Customer If the 8.5 percent water rate increase is adopted by the Board: A typical single-family homeowner will see an increase from $1,088/year to $1,181/year for water and sewer bills—an increase of $7.71/month (based on an average consumption of 70,000 gallons of water per year). A typical multi-family unit with metered billing will see an increase from $808/year/unit to $877/year/unit—an increase of $5.73/month (based on an average consumption of 52,000 gallons of water per year). Keeping Our Water Affordable DEP is focused on maintaining a package of rates and billing policies that keep costs at a reasonable level for customers facing affordability challenges. A number of billing policies emphasizing rate affordability are included in the proposed package of rates and policies for FY25: The Home Water Assistance Program would be reauthorized and provide a bill credit of $145 to up to 96,500 low-income households. Customers do not need to apply or take other action to receive the credit, since DEP and the Water Board work with other governmental entities to identify eligible properties. The Multifamily Water Assistance Program, which provides a bill credit of $250 per affordable residential unit, would be reauthorized and made available to up to 66,000 units located in multifamily properties with at least fifteen years remaining on a rental affordability agreement with either the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development or the NYC Housing Development Corporation. The revised ranking formula that allocates credits by assigning a preference to the most affordable units, based on area median income, would continue to be used under the FY25 proposed package of rates and programs. Freezing the minimum charge. Customers who demonstrate highly efficient levels of water use, typically senior New Yorkers, would continue to be billed at an unchanged minimum water and wastewater charge of $1.27 per day. For customers billed at the minimum charge, the annual water and sewer bill is $463. Rate Hearings The Water Board is responsible for considering and adopting water and wastewater rates following the proposal and subsequent public hearings. The Water Board will be holding in-person public hearings in each of the five boroughs on the proposed rates: Tuesday, May 28 at 6:00pm: Staten Island (Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road) Wednesday, May 29 at 2:00pm: Manhattan (NYC OMB offices, 255 Greenwich Street, 8th Floor) Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00pm: Queens (JFK Jr. School, 57-12 94th Street) Thursday, May 30 at 6:00pm: Bronx (Mercy University, 1200 Waters Place) Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00pm: Brooklyn (Saint Francis College, 179 Livingston Street, 5th Floor) The public is welcome to submit written testimony or comments to the Board by email at nycwaterboard@dep.nyc.gov, or by mail to NYC Water Board, 59-17 Junction Blvd., 8th Floor, Flushing, NY 11373. Following the public hearings, the Water Board is scheduled to meet on June 13, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. to consider and adopt an FY25 budget and water and wastewater rates; the new rates would become effective on July 1, 2024. DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx will launch new projects to transform public spaces in under-invested commercial corridors

 

BIDs in Brownsville, Brooklyn; Sunnyside, Queens; and the Bronx Capitol District will receive funding and technical assistance to envision the future of their public spaces through the Local Center, a partnership between Urban Design Forum and the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (“ANHD”). The Local Center’s Connected Corridors: Envisioning the Future of Our Main Streets program will support Pitkin Avenue BID in Brooklyn, Sunnyside Shines BID in Queens, and 161st Street BID in the Bronx.

BIDs provide essential public services in commercial corridors. They work closely with merchants, residents, and community partners to ensure that neighborhood streets, sidewalks, plazas, and green spaces meet community needs. In low-income communities of color, many BIDs are working to improve neighborhood spaces, but lack resources and investments to bring their community’s visions to life.

The Local Center aims to address that gap by supporting BIDs to reimagine their public spaces through installations, activations, and capital improvements that reclaim public space, drive foot traffic, and strengthen neighborhood connectivity and safety. 

With lead support from National Grid’s Project C and the NYC Department of Small Business Services and additional major support from Charles H. Revson Foundation, Deutsche Bank, and the NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund, administered by City Parks Foundation, Urban Design Forum and ANHD will equip BID partners with seed funding, a team of multi-disciplinary technical assistance partners, and hands-on support to realize their visions. 

BIDs will develop district-wide public realm vision plans that reflect the identities and priorities of local businesses, artists, and residents. They will activate their plazas, parks and streets with demonstration projects and new lighting installations that illustrate the power of community-led public space improvements. 

161st Street Business Improvement District, serving the Capitol District in the Bronx, will work with MUD Workshop, Habitat Workshop, and Sighte Studio to envision and activate public spaces along 161st Street, including Lou Gehrig Plaza. 161st Street BID hopes to make the plaza a lively gathering point for residents and visitors and to transform the area into something that has never been imagined before in their district. 

Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, serving Sunnyside, Queens, will work with di Domenico + Partners and the Queens Lighting Collective to envision and activate the district's public spaces, including Lowery Plaza, Bliss Plaza, 46th Street Open Street, Sabba Triangle, and Noonan Playground. Through this project, Sunnyside Shines aims to make their public spaces more welcoming, engaging, and better suited to events and short-term markets to ultimately build a stronger, more connected community for residents and merchants.  

Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District, serving Brownsville, Brooklyn, will work with Studio Cooke John to envision and activate public spaces along Pitkin Avenue, including Zion Triangle plaza. Their goal is to establish an identity for Zion Triangle and transform the district’s public spaces into a destination for neighbors. 

The Connected Corridors program is a unique partnership between Urban Design Forum, ANHD, and city government agencies, including the NYC Department of Small Business Services, NYC Department of Transportation, Office of the Chief Public Realm Officer, and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce. By directing more investment into comprehensive vision planning and lively public spaces in under-invested commercial corridors, this initiative will pilot one of the key recommendations of the New York Governor and New York City Mayor’s “New” New York Action Plan to reinvigorate New York City’s business districts and amplify cultural and economic vibrancy in public spaces across the boroughs.

“We are thrilled to pair together these neighborhood leaders with outstanding design teams to help them bring their visions to life,” said Daniel McPhee, Executive Director of the Urban Design Forum. “Every New Yorker deserves to live in a healthy neighborhood with lively, joyful, and welcoming public spaces. We hope these projects will inspire community organizations in every corner of the city to come up with new ideas to improve public space in their neighborhoods and encourage more designers, engineers and lawyers to help us build a more just city.”

"Our diverse, vibrant neighborhoods are the foundation of NYC's small business cityscape," said NYC SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. "Investments in our neighborhoods not only make them more livable and prosperous, but also more attractive places to shop and work. I want to thank the National Grid Foundation, Charles H. Revson Foundation, Deutsche Bank, and the NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund for partnering with SBS to make these projects with UDF, ANHD, and our BIDs possible."

"At National Grid, we believe in empowering communities to shape their own futures,” said Eileen Cifone, Director of External Affairs at National Grid.”This is a central tenet of what we aim to achieve through Project C. Partnerships with BIDs and community partners across our service area are vital to the success of this mission. We are proud to support The Local Center in their continued efforts to aggregate resources and investments on behalf of low-income communities within Brooklyn. By harnessing the collective vision of residents, merchants, and community partners, we can create vibrant, safe, and inclusive environments that reflect the unique identities and aspirations of these neighborhoods." 

“Walkable and safe streets not only foster enriching experiences for pedestrians, but they also help local businesses thrive and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This important funding will help plazas, Open Streets, and more thrive with public art, events, and infrastructure upgrades like enhanced lighting and we look forward to seeing these upgrades across Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens and thank the BIDs and Local Center for their support.”

“The 161st Street BID is grateful to be working with MUD Workshop, Habitat Workshop, and Sighte Studio in the revitalization of our public space, Lou Gehrig Plaza. Over the past two years, our BID has helped our small businesses in the district, increased our marketing and events for visitors and everyday New Yorkers and started the task of beautification to spruce up our business district. Lou Gehrig Plaza has been a useful asset for our BID and community organizations as a public space for events. From event activations, art and lighting installations and pop-up markets, this grant opportunity will allow our BID and our friends on the design teams, to really show the world how this public space can transform a community in a variety of ways this year and beyond,” said Trey Jenkins, Executive Director of the 161st Street BID.

Attorney General James Sues Anti-Abortion Group and 11 New York Crisis Pregnancy Centers for Promoting Unproven Abortion Reversal Treatment

 

Heartbeat International, Crisis Pregnancy Centers Used False and Misleading Claims to Convince Pregnant People to Receive Potentially Unsafe “Abortion Pill Reversal” Treatment

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued anti-abortion group Heartbeat International, Inc. (Heartbeat) and 11 self-professed “pro-life pregnancy organizations”—more commonly known as “crisis pregnancy centers”—throughout New York for using false and misleading statements to advertise an unproven treatment they call “Abortion Pill Reversal.” Heartbeat and the crisis pregnancy centers—whose mission is to prevent people from obtaining abortions—advertise “Abortion Pill Reversal” (APR) as a safe and effective treatment that they claim can “reverse” medication abortions. In reality, abortion cannot be “reversed,” and there is a glaring lack of scientific evidence to support APR’s safety and effectiveness. The only clinical trial conducted to evaluate APR had to be halted due to concerns about patient safety. Major medical associations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have cautioned that APR is not backed by science and does not meet clinical standards. 

Despite the dangers, crisis pregnancy centers throughout New York advertise APR on their websites and social media, claiming the treatment will reverse the effects of taking “the abortion pill.” According to their websites, some of these crisis pregnancy centers appear to offer or facilitate APR treatment on-site at their offices, while others direct people to obtain APR treatment through Heartbeat’s Abortion Pill Rescue Network. Attorney General James alleges that making false and misleading claims about APR to convince pregnant people to get the treatment constitutes fraud, deceptive business practices, and false advertising under New York law. 

Attorney General James seeks to stop Heartbeat and the crisis pregnancy centers from misleading consumers about the safety and effectiveness of APR by holding them to the same standard as any other entity advertising health care services directly to consumers in the state. Attorney General James is also seeking the payment of civil penalties for violations of the law.

“Abortions cannot be reversed. Any treatments that claim to do so are made without scientific evidence and could be unsafe,” said Attorney General James. “Heartbeat International and the other crisis pregnancy center defendants are spreading dangerous misinformation by advertising 'abortion reversals' without any medical and scientific proof. Amid the increase in attacks on reproductive health care nationwide, we must protect pregnant people’s right to make safe, well-informed decisions about their health. Your reproductive health care decisions are yours and yours alone, and my office will always protect New Yorkers from those who push a scientifically unproven and potentially life-threatening intervention.” 

Medication abortion involves taking two oral medications—first, mifepristone followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Medical experts, including ACOG, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institute of Health agree that medication abortion is safe and effective. Medication abortion has grown in popularity as anti-abortion extremists continue to ramp up efforts to block access to abortion care in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortion accounted for 63 percent of all U.S. abortions in 2023, an increase from just 53 percent in 2020. 

The APR treatment involves administering repeated doses of progesterone, a hormone bodies naturally produce during pregnancy, to a pregnant person who has taken mifepristone but has not yet taken misoprostol. The APR is not an accepted mainstream medical practice, and there is no credible scientific evidence proving that the treatment is safe or effective. Still, Heartbeat and crisis pregnancy centers advertise the treatment as if it is a clinically proven and safe way to reverse an abortion. 

Heartbeat and the 11 crisis pregnancy centers named in Attorney General James’ lawsuit aggressively advertise APR on their websites, social media, and other promotional materials using false and misleading claims that lead patients to think that APR is a proven and safe treatment with minimal risks, despite the lack of reliable scientific evidence, for example:

• “Can the abortion pill be reversed? The simple answer is yes! If done in time.”  
• “There is an effective process called abortion pill reversal* that can reverse the effects of the abortion pill and allow you to continue your pregnancy, but time is of the essence.” 
• “Using the natural hormone progesterone, medical professionals have been able to save 64-68% of pregnancies through abortion pill reversal.” 

These false and misleading statements constitute persistent fraud and illegality under Executive Law 63(12) and deceptive business and false advertising practices in violation of sections 349 and 350 of the General Business Law. 

With this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks to stop Heartbeat and the 11 New York crisis pregnancy centers from continuing to promote this unproven treatment in ways that are misleading about its experimental nature and potential risks. Specifically, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) seeks an order requiring the removal of all false and misleading claims in marketing materials and prohibiting further violations. Attorney General James is also seeking the payment of civil penalties for violations of the law.

In addition to Heartbeat, the 11 crisis pregnancy centers named in the lawsuit are: 

• Adirondack Pregnancy Center, Inc. d/b/a AscentCare in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; 
• Crisis Pregnancy Services, Inc. d/b/a CompassCare in Rochester, Monroe County; Buffalo, Erie County; Latham, Albany County; and Brooklyn Heights, Kings County; 
• The Care Center d/b/a Soundview Pregnancy Services in East Meadow, Nassau County; and Centereach and Riverhead, Suffolk County; 
• New Hope Family Services, Inc. in Syracuse, Onondaga County; 
• Pregnancy Center of Penn Yan d/b/a Care Net Penn Yan in Penn Yan, Yates County; 
• Study the Options Please, Inc. d/b/a Care Net of Wayne County in Newark, Wayne County; 
• Pregnancy Center of Central New York d/b/a Willow Network in Boonville, Camden, Rome, and Utica, Oneida County; Ilion, Herkimer County; Liverpool, Onondaga County; and Morrisville and Oneida, Madison County; 
• Crisis Pregnancy Center, Inc. d/b/a Care Net Pregnancy Center of the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County; 
• 1st Way Life Center, Inc. in Monticello, Sullivan County; 
• Caring Choices Pregnancy Help Center, Inc. in Rochester and Webster, Monroe County; and 
• Bridge Women’s Support Center in College Point, Queens County. 

This action is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to defend access to reproductive care and protect reproductive freedom in New York and nationwide. In April, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to expand access to reproductive health services and pass the Access to Family Building Act. In March, Attorney General James co-led a multistate coalition of attorneys general and filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in Idaho v. U.S. and Moyle v. U.S., urging the court to maintain a preliminary injunction that required Idaho hospitals to provide emergency abortion care consistent with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). In January, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone. In December 2022, Attorney General James secured a court order to stop militant anti-abortion group Red Rose Rescue from blocking access to abortion care in New York. 

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and health care providers nationwide. New Yorkers are encouraged to call the New York abortion rights legal hotline at (212) 899-5567 for free legal information and resources about accessing abortion. 

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on 164-Unit Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Downtown Rochester

Center City Courtyard Transforms Parking Lot into Sustainable Affordable Housing Development with On-Site Supportive Services for Vulnerable Populations

Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Increase Housing Supply Across New York

Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Kathy Hochul announced construction has begun on Center City Courtyard in downtown Rochester, an affordable housing development featuring 164 apartments, including 95 units for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness who will have access to on-site supportive services.

“I am committed to increasing the housing supply to ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing 164 modern homes will not only improve lives and set residents on a path to success, but thanks to the development’s energy-efficient design, we’re also building a stronger, healthier, and greener community for all.”

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 3,800 affordable homes in Rochester. Center City Courtyard continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Center City Courtyard will be constructed on a surface parking lot on West Main Street in downtown Rochester. The five-story building will include 164 apartments for households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

There will be 95 apartments reserved for households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, including veterans and individuals reentering the community following a period of incarceration. These residents will have access to on-site supportive services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the Office of Mental Health. The service providers are Helio Health, the Urban League of Rochester, and Eagle Star Housing.

Center City Courtyard is supported by $902,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for improved decarbonization scopes of work in affordable housing. The all-electric building, which features a rooftop solar array, will utilize highly efficient air source heat pumps for heating and cooling. Center City Courtyard is expected to receive certifications from the Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes, Enterprise Green Communities 2020 Plus, and Environmental Protection Agency Indoor AirPlus.

Residential amenities will include free Wi-Fi internet, a laundry room, a community room, fitness center, and a landscaped courtyard with seating areas. There will be 68 parking spaces and nearly 3,000 square feet of office space for the supportive service providers.

The developer team is a joint venture between HELPDevCo and CSD Housing, LLC.

State financing for the development includes $3 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $30.5 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $25 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing nearly $8 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. OMH will provide $2.3 million in operating funding annually to support 95 ESSHI units. OMH will also provide a one-time program development grant of $235,000. The city of Rochester awarded $1 million in HOME funds.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement in recognition of Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“As we observe Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the 6 million Jews whose lives were senselessly stolen in the Holocaust. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during one of the darkest periods in human history.

“With antisemitism on the rise across the globe today, it is more vital than ever that we not only ‘Never Forget,’ but also actively remember. It is our duty to ensure that future generations learn about this tragic chapter and work together to combat hatred, bigotry, and intolerance in all its forms.

“As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel, today and every day, we stand in solidarity with all people of good will and reaffirm our commitment to fighting against all forms of hate, prejudice, and discrimination wherever they exist. Let us strive to create a world where the lessons of the Holocaust are remembered and respected and where the values of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance prevail.

“May the memory of the victims be a blessing, and may their lives inspire us to build a more just and peaceful world for all.”