ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Residents of a building in the Harris Park Apartment Complex in Rochester faced nearly a week without heat, leaving many tenants in the cold. The heat was restored Friday evening, according to the complex’s owner, Conifer Realty.
News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski spoke with Rita Ruchlin, who shared her concerns about her 90-year-old mother living in the complex.
Tom Kowalski, News10NBC: “How long have you guys been without heat?”
Rita Ruchlin: “So my mom called me on Sunday morning saying she doesn’t have heat. So on Monday, I was hoping the heat will be back. Unfortunately, they told us, they cannot do that because they’re waiting for a part to come in…On Monday they were hoping it will be fixed by Thursday, maybe later by Friday.”
Tom Kowalski: “And today’s Friday…”
Rita Ruchlin: “Today’s Friday, right now it’s already evening, after hours. And still no heat…I have [winter] boots on and I have winter jacket, and, my hands feel cold.”
Residents had been relying on space heaters provided by Conifer Realty to cope with the cold.
Rita Ruchlin: “Like, if you stand next to the heater all the time, this will help you with little bit. But you cannot sleep in this condition. It’s like you feel like you’re camping out.”
Ruchlin’s 90-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, is currently staying with her but wishes to return to her familiar apartment.
Tom Kowalski: “What kind of stress is this putting on her?”
Rita Ruchlin: “She’s very confused. She’s looking for her place, her stove, her table. Just like little things. But she want to be in her apartment.”
Kowalski also asked about the challenges her mother faces as an immigrant from Belarus.
Tom Kowalski: “Do you think that part of the reason she’s having difficulties is because she’s from another country?”
Rita Ruchlin: “Well, of course the language is a barrier. But right now, because of her age, it’s hard to advocate for yourself. Doesn’t matter which language.”
Conifer Realty has faced issues before, including garbage chutes backing up at another property. The City of Rochester’s “Landlord-Tenant Bill of Rights” requires landlords to maintain compliance with county and state requirements, including keeping homes heated above 68 degrees between mid-September and late May.
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