Haven Plaza tenants demand action after Legionella bacteria confirmed in water system
EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Tenants at Haven Plaza in Manhattan's East Village, along with city and state leaders, are calling for stronger action after Legionella bacteria was confirmed in the apartment complex's water system.
The five-building, rent-stabilized and subsidized complex contains 370 apartments. Concerns about the water system emerged two months ago after city health officials confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria.
"Our tenants have been directed to not shower and to not use hot water this entire summer," said Dara Cruz, president of the Tenants Association.
Cruz joined tenants and elected officials in criticizing the New York City Health Department, Catholic Homes and Wavecrest Management, which manages the complex. The calls for action intensified after a second resident contracted Legionnaires' disease in May. The first case was reported in December.
"We have to do better to urge the city to put pressure on management. Management needs to do its job," Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said.
The Health Department said it has held several in-person meetings since May, posted guidance and hosted a visit from the department's commissioner on Tuesday. Health officials also reiterated that the Legionnaires' disease cluster at Haven Plaza is unrelated to the deadly community cluster on the Upper East Side, which has led to seven deaths so far.
Nilsa Robles, a three-time cancer survivor who has lived at Haven Plaza for 55 years, said she believes issues with the complex's water system led to the outbreak.
"I'm sick. So, I'm taking it day by day," Robles said.
"The negligence that has been going on. The lack of work that should've been done. An infection like this shouldn't have happened," she added.
Not all residents blamed management. One tenant who has lived in the complex for 22 years and asked not to be identified defended the response.
"You can't wave a magic wand and fix this problem. People are worried about delays well you can't just do it in a day. It takes time to do it," the resident said.
Wavecrest Management said it began a water treatment plan this week that includes disinfecting the water system. The company said city guidelines require property managers to begin testing only after two cases are identified within a one-year period.
In a statement, management said, "Management is fully committed to the health and safety of the residents and is providing regular updates to the tenant association."
Some tenants are also seeking financial assistance because of the disruption caused by the water restrictions.
"When they asked for rent abatement, the answer was decidedly no," said Ayo Harrington of Lower East Side Ready.
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