Tenants without enough heat get answers

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some people in a New Haven apartment building who say they don't have enough heat are getting answers from the Livable City Initiative after News 8 reached out to them.

It took two weeks for them to respond, and even then they didn't call us back until we said we were airing the story. Today, the Mayor's office contacted us to say they were taking action.

A team of representatives with Livable City Initiative in New Haven went door to door at 44 Orange Street. They say if management doesn't keep the heat up, call them.

Al Pina said he's been calling LCI about the heating problems for months. He says the building is home to many people with disabilities and the response today is too little too late. Building management is required to keep the heat at 65 degrees.

"The temperature was 61 degrees in my father's room, 64 in my room and 63 in the living room. Had they come out that night they would have had these people in the palms of their hands and everyone would have heat in here today," said Pina.

Since the story first aired, residents say the temps in the building are up but they worry it's all for show.

"We were here today. We walked through some units. We figured the next best thing to do today is make sure tenants know who to call," said Rafael Ramos of Livable City Initiative.

LCI said the only formal complaint they ever received was from Pina. One resident News 8 spoke to said she has seen LCI dong inspections in the building from time to time but still, she said the problems have never been resolved.

"They're palsy-walsy with management and the maintenance people so it's like a joke. It's a joke," said one resident.

"So when you see them going door to door today what does that say to you," asked News 8's Jacquie Slater.

"It says that it's in response to News Channel 8 doing a story on the heating problem in this building," the resident said.

"Do you think there's gonna be a difference," asked News 8's Slater.

"I absolutely do, because Channel 8 is here now so yeah, I do," the resident said.

Residents say it's coldest at night, sometimes dipping down into the 50's. LCI said they are available 24/7 if residents can't get the heat turned up.

"Do you guys plan on following up and monitoring the situation," asked News 8's Slater.

"We will follow up and monitor the situation based on a complaint or notice. We do intend to stay in touch with the tenants that we do have communication with and just see how things are going," said Ramos.

"I sleep with three blankets every night, two shirts and a pajama top and bottoms. I just hope that changes," said Pina.