Residents still without heat or power after Bedford Park water main break
Lashelda Bridgers, who lives in one of the affected buildings, says she has to carry her own light to navigate the halls.
Days after a massive water main break flooded Bedford Park, residents are still grappling with tough conditions - living without heat, gas, or electricity.
Lashelda Bridgers, who lives in one of the affected buildings, says she has to carry her own light to navigate the halls.
“It’s dark and kind of creepy,” Bridgers shared. She says no one has given her any information. “I’ve called management, left messages, and I’ve gotten no return calls,” she said.
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Jermaine Walker, a long-time resident of 13 years, is frustrated with the lack of support and solutions.
“We need some generators in here. You’ve got old folks - some of them are probably still in there,” he said.
Walker says the situation is taking a toll on his family, including his son.
“My son goes to school right here, and now we’ve had to relocate to another side of the Bronx. I can’t bring him to school on time.”
The cleanup is ongoing, but residents like Tommy Reyes say the damage has already been done. “I had to throw away a whole bunch of things I bought because they’re no good,” he said. “Without water, I’m not going to wash my dishes.”
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) stated that power and gas restoration is the responsibility of building owners. Repairs are extensive and must be certified by licensed professionals before Con Edison can reconnect power or reopen gas lines. Residents, however, are frustrated with the delays, with some pointing out this isn’t the first time they’ve dealt with water main issues.
“They should’ve been more proactive,” Walker said. “They know certain pipes are bad. This happened four years ago, and now it’s happening again.”
Amid the challenges, there is a bit of relief for Solanlly Hernandez, who evacuated her flooded first-floor apartment with her children. Her building’s management has provided her with temporary housing.
“I feel more relaxed,” Hernandez said. “I got to see my kids yesterday. Now it’s just about cleaning up and trying to see what the city is going to say.”
With the holidays just days away, many residents say their wish is simple: a warm and safe place.
