UBOA - Unite to overturn water authority

Unified Business Owners Association Of Philadelphia 3900 North 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19140 Phone 215-599-2350 * Fax 215-599-2361 Strength in numbers, tackling issues affecting our businesses today, and tomorrow!

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Contact: Joe Winning Cell: 215-350-7767 jwinning@abwds.com

UNIFIED BUSINESS OWNERS ASSOCIATION SCORES MAJOR VICTORY FOR PHILADELPHIA COMMERCE Grassroots Group of Business Owners Unite to Overturn Autonomous Rule of Water Department Philadelphia, PA, April 19th, 2012‌ The Unified Business Owners Association (UBOA), a collective group of Philadelphia non-residential property owners, has achieved yet another milestone in their fight to curb radical increases in storm-water fees imposed by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD).

Today, in front of City Council, six members of the UBOA and representatives from the Philadelphia Water Department took their case to City Hall. The result, an invalidation of the independently sanctioned and sole authority of the Philadelphia Water Department in regards to their right to mandate water rates in the city of Philadelphia.

The original policy for taxing businesses on water usage based on the size of their land and how much it was impervious to drainage, a parcel-based system, has had devastating results on more than 1,000 businesses. Such operations have experienced as much as a 1,000% increase on their water bills due to new storm water runoff fees imposed by the PWD. The new tax, imposed as a fee, threatened to drive companies out of the city, which equates to fewer jobs and less spending in Philadelphia.

These exorbitant increases in water fees inspired a group of local business owners in the city of Philadelphia to join forces and fight back. Recognizing the potentially devastating impact of this bill, UBOA Co-Chairmen Stuart Parmet (American Box & Recycling Co.) and Jeff Allen (Allen Brothers Wholesale Distribution) took action. After countless emails and phone calls to the city went unanswered, the two Philadelphia stalwarts rallied together to initiate a grassroots movement aimed at generating awareness. Recognizing the need for a united front, Allen and Parmet formed what is now recognized as an influential advocate for business rights in the city of Philadelphia, the Unified Business Owners Association (UBOA).

Thanks to their efforts, hundreds of local business owners, representing over 10,000 jobs operating in the city of Philadelphia banded together to form a powerful organization that has collectively overcome significant odds , false promises and forced change. As a result, City Council today passed legislation to take the power away from the Philadelphia Water Department to independently set rates for storm-water and water usage. Legislation that was introduced by freshman Councilman Bobby Henon initiates the process of ensuring rates are regulated like in every other city. No longer will the Philadelphia Water Department have the right to set costs independent of a rate making body, a major victory and one that is likely to save thousands of jobs for residents of the city of Philadelphia.

Stuart Parmet, Chairman of the UBOA, was elated following the ruling. “No agency, at this point in time, should be self-governing and feel they are above consequence and isolation,” Parmet said.

“Through the concerted efforts of government officials, local business owners, and City Controller Alan Butkovitz, today’s ruling was a redeeming moment for the city in regards to its’ fairness and equality.”

According to Co-Chairman Jeff Allen, “The strength of this group was built on family business people and industrial land owners, who employ the neighborhood working men and women of a city that we all take great pride in...” Allen added, “Anyone could see that a 1,000% increase in water billing was not only absurd, but such a financial imposition that it would drive business out of the city With the help of city council we will now ensure that this never happens again.”

Allen recognizes that this fight has not been easy. “We’ve spent almost two years battling the Philadelphia Water department (PWD), and our voices have been heard,” said Allen. The UBOA has become a beacon for change and a watch-dog group against the manipulation of Philadelphia businesses.

Following today’s ruling, both Allen and Parmet acknowledged that the accomplishments of the UBOA would not have been possible without the support of some very influential members of Philadelphia’s political hierarchy. According to the UBOA Co-Chairmen, “Alan Butkovitz, City Controller, has been a strong supporter of our cause, and we owe him a great deal of gratitude.” The two were also quick to point out the efforts of Philadelphia City Council, especially Councilman Bobby Henon and President Darrell Clarke, and Councilman William Greenlee for spearheading the legislation on behalf of Clarke.

Allen and Parmet recognize the fight is not over, but today can take pride in the work of the Unified Business Owners Association. Allen summarized it best. “A major victory has been scored not only for the UBOA members, but for the city of Philadelphia as a whole.” ###