'It feels like an ice box; it's unbearable.' Mother of 4 desperate for change in her NYCHA complex in Soundview.

Chores like doing dishes, laundry and even showering have no become impossible for her and her family.

Isabella Giardina

Nov 3, 2025, 11:32 AM

Updated 6 hr ago

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Clara Rivera, a mother of four, says she has been left without heat and hot water for months at the Sonia Sotomayor Houses.
She tells News 12 the entire seventh floor of the apartment building is dealing with similar issues.
Chores like doing dishes, laundry and even showering have no become impossible for her and her family.
Rivera says she has to travel an hour away to her mother's house in White Plains New York, just to bathe herself and her kids.
She says that the temperatures drop so low at night, it's almost unbearable to sleep in her own home.
"It feels like an ice box its like unbearable... I sleep with a heating pad for me and the little ones," says Rivera.
News 12 reached out to NYCHA and received the following statement:
"NYCHA heating plant technicians are on site at 1760 Watson Avenue and are currently working with residents on the seventh floor to address concerns about heat and hot water service. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application."