What to Know
- Thousands of residents in NYCHA buildings spent another cold night without heat and hot water in the midst of a deep freeze
- However, it appears that the issues are being resolved — albeit slowly, some residents tell NBC 4 New York
- NYCHA said the heat was turned back on around 2 a.m. Tuesday and that they sent inspectors to check that there were no longer any issues
Thousands of residents in NYCHA buildings spent another cold night without heat and hot water in the midst of a deep freeze, however, it appears that the issues are being resolved — albeit slowly.
After dealing through heat issues during the coldest day of the season Monday, by Tuesday some residents saw relief.
News 4 New York was at a NYCHA building in Harlem and spoke with residents Tuesday morning who said the heat has been coming back on, but slowly in some cases. One man said he tried to keep warm by wrapping himself up in three quilts.
NYCHA said the heat was turned back on around 2 a.m. Tuesday and that they sent inspectors and staff to check later on in the morning to make sure there were no longer any issues.
Anyone still experiencing a loss of heat or hot water, as well an any other issue, should contact NYCHA.
According to NYCHA, heat is being restored faster than in previous occasions, which prompted HUD regional head Lynne Patton to respond. In a tweet, Patton said: “With all due respect, people should not be grateful because their heat & hot water was turned back on faster than before. These are basic human conditions & expectations for all Americans. I don’t care if I’m not supposed to be tweeting during the shutdown. Fix it, @NYCHA!”
Local
Prior to the shutdown, Patton who was supposed to live in NYCHA housing to ascertain some of the issues residents are dealing with in the city's housing, however, negotiations between the city and the federal government stalled due to the shutdown so the plan has been put on hold.
In the past, HUD secretary Ben Carson threatened to take over NYCHA if the problems it faces are not resolved.