SCHUMER CALLS ON AMERICAN WATER TO STOP AQUA'S PLAN TO BUILD WATER TOWER IN HEART OF WANTAGH AND TO EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS FOR WATER DELIVERY
With Purchase of Aqua New York, American Water Will Inherit Proposal to Build a 150-Foot-Tall Water Tower in Residential Area of Wantagh Opposed by Local Residents
At Community Meeting Last Night, Aqua Admitted That There Are Alternative Methods to Address Low Water Pressure; American Water Has Agreed That Exploring Alternative Options Is On the Table
Schumer Says American Water Should Abandon Proposal In Effort to Get Off On Right Foot With Community, and Propose New Options To Address Water Pressure
Yesterday, United States Senator Charles E. Schumer urged American Water Works Company Inc. to stop a plan it will inherit from its recent purchase of Aqua New York to construct a massive water tower in a residential area of Wantagh, Long Island. Aqua New York, which had strained relations with the community after years of poor customer service and outrageously high rates, had proposed the construction of a 150-foot-tall water tower and two small utility buildings at the corner of DeMott Avenue and the Seafood Oyster Bay Expressway, right in the heart of a residential area. Local residents oppose the project because it will be an eyesore, negatively impacting the residential look and value of the neighborhood.
At a recent community meeting, Aqua New York representatives admitted to homeowners that alternative options are available to address low water pressure issues in this service territory. In addition, in a recent dialogue between Schumer's office and American Water, American also agreed that exploring alternative options should be on the table before moving forward with Aqua's current water tower plan. In a letter to Bill Varley, President of Long Island American Water, Schumer asked that the company work with the community to evaluate all potential options to improve water pressure in Wantagh.
"To get off on the right foot with the community, American Water should work with the people of Wantagh to determine the least invasive way to improve service without unnecessarily plopping an eyesore smack in the middle of their neighborhood," said Schumer. "Unlike Aqua, American Water has a good record of community relations, and I urge it to continue in that tradition by working together with Wantagh and Seaford leaders on improving this plan."
American Water purchased Aqua America Inc.'s operations in New York on Monday, adding about 152,000 customers in four New York counties, and taking over Aqua's projects - including their controversial plan to build a water tower in Wantagh. A number of civic organizations, including the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners Association and the Wantagh Civic Association, as well as many South Shore residents, are strongly opposed to Aqua's water tower proposal, citing alternative delivery methods that would not negatively impact the residential look and feel of the community. Additionally, residents are worried that a new tower could potentially disturb the natural environment in the Wantagh Woods.
In his letter, Schumer urged President Varley to delay Aqua's water tower proposal and present a menu of potential options for the Wantagh community to review. Schumer also urged American Water to continue their tradition of proactive and transparent community relations in their handling of this project.
Schumer has a history of pressuring Aqua to respond to customer concerns in New York State. In 2009, when Aqua attempted an outrageous 12% rate-hike on its New York customers, Schumer called on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to block it.
A copy of Schumer's letter is below:
Dear Long Island American Water Company President Bill Varley,
On the heels of your announcement that American Water will purchase Aqua America's New York operations, I write to urge you to delay Aqua New York's proposed water tower in the Wantagh-Seaford area and develop other, less-intrusive water delivery options for the community to review. This 150-foot water tower raises a great deal of concern among community members and I request that American Water work with the community to address their concerns before moving forward with the project.
According to reports, the proposed water tower project will consist of a 150-foot water tower as well as two electrical buildings to serve as treatment centers. Aqua America has said that the new tower is needed to address low water pressure issues within this territory of the system. While the residents of this South Nassau community surely want these issues addressed, it is my understanding that there are other, les-intrusive and effective methods for water storage and delivery that do not carry the significant impacts that accompany the proposed tower. Wantagh residents are concerned that the tower will negatively impact the residential look and feel of DeMott Avenue, in Wantagh. In addition, residents worry that a new tower could potentially disturb the natural environment in the Wantagh Woods. Finally, unlike American Water, Aqua New York did not have a good track record of positive community relations in this area, which has led to a lack of public trust in their decision-making. Therefore, I strongly urge that American Water reevaluate the proposed tower as well as explore other options to address water pressure and work with the community to determine the best course of action.
As you may know, I have been a vocal critic of Aqua New York's prior practices in the Long Island region over the years. Their reputation amongst Long Island residents has been less than stellar due to reports of poor customer service procedures and outrageously high rates. As you begin the process of assuming ownership of these territories, I hope that you will continue your tradition of proactive and transparent community relations.
In closing, I reiterate that it is critical you reevaluate Aqua New York's proposal to build the water tower in Wantagh and work with the community to determine the best way to address water pressure in Wantagh.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator