On days like today and Tuesday, when record-setting temperatures swell over 90 degrees, it’s nice to go home to an air-conditioned home to seek relief from the uncomfortable heat. Seniors living at the Royal Oak Manor Co-op on Williams Street do not have that luxury.
In fact, it will be two to three weeks until they will have air conditioning flowing through their apartment complex. Residents have been without air conditioning for a couple of months at least, according to Sharon Taylor-Nolan, the president of the complex who also lives in the building. However, it didn’t pose a problem until the recent change in weather.
Because the building was running the heating system until recently, management – CSI Support & Development Services based out of Warren – said the system could not be repaired, Taylor-Nolan explained.
But many residents think differently. “They just diddled around,” resident David Micou said. “They could have gotten this done sooner, but they just let time go by.”
Although Micou is not happy about the situation, he’s determined not to think about the situation. The more people complain, he said, the more aware they are of their discomfort.
In fact, the Fred Barton Co. Inc. of Detroit arrived on site just today to start fixing the problem. Taylor-Nolan said the company informed the building management that it would be two to three weeks until air is flowing again, as long as everything runs smoothly. Part of the problem, they told her, is the age of the building, which was built in 1973.
“CSI is doing their best,” Taylor-Nolan said. “We knew it was going to be hot. I just pray they (the Fred Barton Company Inc) don’t run into any problems when fixing it.”
Neither CSI or the Fred Barton Co. returned calls seeking comment.
In an atttempt to help cope with the overwhelming heat, each of the 240 seniors in the building have been equipped with a fan, which were distributed Friday. The activity room was recently dubbed the “cooling room” as it now has cooling machines that provide some relief.
For some, health is of great concern. More than a dozen residents have fled to the homes of friends or family members while they wait for the problem to be fixed.
The heat can be overpowering and stressful, especially for seniors on oxygen or with a heart condition. Many were advised to vacate the premises, Taylor-Nolan said. Resident MaryAnne Vincent said her doctor told her it would be best to move to a cooler location for the time being. However, Vincent has been unable to reach any friends in town. The heat is not good for her asthma and she said she has had a consistent headache.
“I am very unhappy,” Vincent said. “They shouldn’t have let this go on as long as they have.”
Vincent, who has lived at the complex for the past six years, has been walking to coffee shops to cool down. She said the provided fans are not alleviating the problem much.
Resident Virginia King was a bit more understanding about the situation, although she noted she was very hot and uncomfortable.
“It’s hot and it’s not pleasant,” King said. “On the other hand, I think they’re making every arrangement they can to keep some semblance of comfort.”
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