Families impacted by water main break in Bedford Park concerned as cold temperatures drop

As the temperature drops, the couple is staying at a friend’s house with their toddler temporarily.

Tim Harfmann

Dec 22, 2024, 3:53 AM

Updated 4 hr ago

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With temperatures dropping below freezing in the Bronx on Saturday night, residents are concerned following the recent water main break on Webster Avenue.
Carmen Santana and Jose Velazquez said they’re still without electricity or gas, and their water is undrinkable. 
As the temperature drops, the couple is staying at a friend’s house with their toddler temporarily.   
“It’s the most horrific feeling to have to stay in someone else’s house, and you don’t feel at home,” Santana said. 
The city’s emergency management office said gas and electricity has been restored to three buildings on Webster Avenue. 
Two buildings on Botanical Square, including Santana and Velazquez’s, are running on mobile generators and emergency boilers.  
“[Building management is] saying it’s going to take three weeks just to fix our electrical paneling,” said Santana, “we’re borderline homeless here.” 
They’re throwing away more than $250 worth of groceries because the food spoiled in the refrigerator. 
Meanwhile, the Red Cross is on scene, passing out food and other supplies to people impacted. 
Representatives from The Red Cross said it has helped 25 households with temporary housing, passed out more than 1,400 meals and over 500 blankets.