Residents of Calvert Square, a public housing complex in Norfolk, Virginia, have faced severe heating outages for weeks, leaving many without adequate warmth as winter temperatures drop. The situation escalated when the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) began issuing advisories on December 5, 2023, regarding the heating issues. However, tenants and their legal representatives assert that problems began much earlier.
Whitney Spearman, a resident of Calvert Square for over four years, reported being without heat since October 28, 2023. This was the day property management activated the aging boiler system, which quickly malfunctioned, leading to flooding from a burst radiator. Spearman recounted her experience, stating, “This is a community-wide failure.” She and her four-year-old son were temporarily relocated to a model unit that also lacked heat, receiving only a small space heater that failed to provide sufficient warmth.
The heating crisis has affected hundreds of families in the complex, which dates back to 1957 and currently has approximately 280 of its 310 units occupied. Residents have also reported unexpected fees when the NRHA moved them to hotels. According to Melissa Bonfiglio, deputy director and director of litigation at Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, some families faced a $100 incidental deposit upon arrival at hotels, leading to distressing situations where individuals were forced to return to Calvert Square in adverse conditions.
As the situation unfolded, Spearman expressed concern for her son’s health, stating that the lack of heat has worsened his asthma. She feared informing his doctors about the heating issues due to the potential involvement of Child Protective Services. “He’s coughed until he vomited, making him miss school,” she explained.
The NRHA has indicated that it is working to resolve the heating issues. In a statement, the authority confirmed that they are assisting residents and are committed to ensuring that all units have functional heating. They anticipate having a clearer timeline for repairs once necessary materials arrive. As of Thursday, December 7, 2023, Spearman reported that heat had returned to her temporary unit, although her original apartment had been condemned.
The NRHA’s response to the heating crisis has drawn criticism from city officials and its own board of commissioners. During a recent meeting, NRHA commissioner Amy Chudzinski emphasized the importance of providing heat, stating that “people have to have heat in their homes.” Fellow commissioner Philip Smith described the residents’ testimonials as “heartbreaking,” pledging to address their concerns.
Mayor Kenny Alexander also weighed in, asserting that no resident should rely on inadequate space heaters or incur out-of-pocket costs due to the authority’s failures. He urged the NRHA to cover all related expenses. City Manager Pat Roberts remarked on the urgency of the situation, indicating that the city would offer assistance from its resources to treat the issue as an emergency.
The heating crisis coincides with a significant transition within the NRHA. In November, the board terminated the contract of former executive director Nathan Simms, appointing Michael Clark, the former deputy executive director, as interim executive director starting December 8, 2023, while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
As temperatures are expected to dip into the low 20s this weekend, the urgency for a resolution to the heating crisis at Calvert Square remains critical. The NRHA has pledged to keep residents informed and hopes to restore proper heating conditions swiftly while addressing the growing concerns surrounding their management practices.
