Resident: Broken meter results in double the bills

<p>A Gravesend man says the water meter reading in his condo malfunctioned resulting in double the numbers and double the bills.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 13, 2018, 4:59 PM

Updated 2,243 days ago

Share:

A Gravesend man says the water meter reading in his condo malfunctioned resulting in double the numbers and double the bills.
Ahmed Ahmad says the city is asking for more than $193,000 from residents who live at the 2881 Cropsey Ave. condos.
“We started with maybe a $26,000 balance, and all of the sudden now...we reached $193,000,” says Ahmed Ahmad.
He spoke to News 12 on behalf of the other owners, claiming that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection is wrongfully forcing them to pay thousands of dollars in back fees.
He says the city installed two meters, but one is broken, registering double the reading.
After calling a plumber to investigate, the condo owners shut down the malfunctioning meter after the plumber confirmed they were right.
Ahmad showed News 12 a letter he received saying if the entire amount isn’t payed by May 17, what they owed could be sold to a collection agency - meaning nine families could be out on the street.
A spokesperson for the DEP said “We’re reviewing the property’s water usage and billing history and will worker with the property owner on the next steps, once our review is complete.”
 


More from News 12
2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

2:04
STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy conditions for NYC; tracking rain during the weekend

STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy conditions for NYC; tracking rain during the weekend

1:57
NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

2:05
New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

1:37
Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

1:22
Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

1:40
NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

1:53
Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

1:33
Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

0:29
Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:55
Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

1:59
Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

1:41
New survey highlights challenges for migrants

New survey highlights challenges for migrants

1:55
PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

0:43
2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

4:14
'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless

'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless