Residents at Kingsbridge co-op without gas for months
Dozens of units have been without cooking gas for weeks—and in some cases, nearly a year—leaving many frustrated and searching for solutions.
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Residents at the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative in Kingsbridge say they’ve had enough.
Dozens of units have been without cooking gas for weeks—and in some cases, nearly a year—leaving many frustrated and searching for solutions.
“I haven’t had gas in this house since March 13 or 14 of last year,” said Karen Bishop, a resident of Building 7. “This has been my home for 32 years. I do want to leave though. I’m not happy—I’m very unhappy.”
Another 55 units in Building 6 lost cooking gas in December after Con Edison discovered multiple leaks in the basement piping. Con Edison says the repairs are the responsibility of the co-op management, but some residents feel the wait has been too long.
“I have to cook on this,” Bishop said, gesturing to her electric burner given by management. “I call it a piece of crap.”
For some, the lack of gas is compounded by other issues, including a 45% increase in carrying charges last summer.
“I’m working crazy overtime because I cannot pay the maintenance fee,” Socorro, another resident. “I’m never home, and on top of that, I have to buy all three meals outside.”
In a statement, Charles Zsebedics, Amalgamated’s general manager, said the board and management are working on a solution.
“Our approach to replacing gas stoves with induction/electric stoves aims to provide a quicker, safer, and more cost-effective solution, ensuring that shareholders can resume their cooking activities without further delay,” the statement read.
Zsebedics added that they are waiting for $10 million in state funding secured last year by Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. The funds will be used to purchase new induction stoves for all affected apartments.
“We are hopeful that with [the state’s] swift actions to administer the necessary funding for this purchase, we can move these initiatives along as quickly as possible,” Zsebedics said.
Management is also soliciting bids to replace gas dryers in affected buildings with electric dryers.
Residents say they want faster action. “You’re going to have to show me,” Bishop said. “You’re going to have to do, not just say it.”
