De Blasio’s administration appears to be on course with its promise to be an administration for the average New Yorker.  This morning the New York City Water Board approved the proposed Rate Schedule for FY 2016.  After listening to public testimony in all 5 boroughs over the last few weeks the increase in the water/sewer rate is has been approved at 2.97%. This comes as a pleasant surprise since the Rate Schedule proposal earlier this Spring called for an increase of 3.24%. This years rate increase will be the smallest in nearly a decade and a half.

The new water and sewer rates, $3.81 and $6.06 respectively, comes amidst criticism from the Rent Stabilization Association and other city landlords who argue they are having a hard time keeping housing affordable as costs continue to skyrocket.  While the last minute decrease to the rate change may seem like a gesture of good will from the administration, landlords will likely remain unappeased until rate changes start headed in the negative direction.

In good news for single family home owners and other low water consumers, the minimum daily water/sewer charge of $1.27 per day remains frozen for the third consecutive year.

– Vadhil Amadiz