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Creighton Court residents still dealing with heating issues

Jeremy M. Lazarus | 2/25/2016, 9:58 p.m.
Tina Shaw and residents of four other apartments in Creighton Court have sufficient heat, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority ...

Tina Shaw and residents of four other apartments in Creighton Court have sufficient heat, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority reports.

RRHA conducted heat tests of the apartment Ms. Shaw occupies and those of other residents in response to complaints Ms. Shaw lodged with the Free Press about radiators in her apartment not functioning.

According to the RRHA tests on Jan. 28, heat in the five units ranged from 66 degrees to 80 degrees or “within standards.”

But that is not because the radiator system in each apartment is working properly.

For example, in Ms. Shaw’s apartment, the test was conducted in her absence and while her kitchen oven was set on warm to contribute to heating the first floor.

“No repair needed,” was the verdict.

Ms. Shaw has complained that unless she keeps the oven on, the first floor is uncomfort- ably chilly.

The report notes that windows were open in a bedroom on the second floor. Ms. Shaw said

that the radiators make the second floor so hot, she has to open a window. Like other tenants, she does not have a thermostat in her unit and cannot control the temperature.

In the unit occupied by Brittany Green, who also complained to the Free Press, the report stated that “temperatures maintained within standards with existing radiators and kitchen oven.”

Ms. Green told the Free Press previously that she must keep her oven on to maintain heat on the first floor of her apartment.

In three other units, RRHA reported provid-

ing space heaters to the tenants to maintain warmth.

“RRHAappreciates your bringing these matters to our attention and allowing RRHAan opportunity to provide information on how RRHA is working to address these issues,” T.K. Somanath, RRHA’s chief executive officer stated in an email to the Free Press that contained the report.

“RRHA will continue to monitor the heat in these and all of our 4,046 public housing units as we are committed to providing safe, decent and affordable housing.”