Residents of Calvert Square, a public housing complex in Norfolk, Virginia, have experienced significant heating outages, with some enduring weeks without adequate warmth. The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) began issuing advisories regarding the heating issues on December 5, 2023. However, residents and their legal representatives assert that problems have persisted since at least October 28, when an aging boiler system was activated.
Many residents, including Whitney Spearman, who has lived at Calvert Square for over four years, reported severe disruptions in their living conditions. Spearman stated that her heat was lost immediately after the boiler was turned on, leading to flooding from a burst radiator that damaged her belongings. She was temporarily moved to another unit, only to find it lacked heating as well. Spearman received a small space heater, which was insufficient, and when she attempted to use a second heater, it caused a power outage in her unit.
The housing complex, built in 1957, houses around 280 families, with many facing similar issues. The NRHA has stated that it is providing assistance and will remain on-site until the heating is fully restored. Officials anticipate having a clearer timeline for repairs once necessary materials arrive on December 12.
Criticism of the NRHA has escalated, with residents expressing their frustration regarding the authority’s response to the heating crisis. Spearman emphasized the emotional toll on her family, particularly concerning her son’s health, as the lack of heat has reportedly aggravated his asthma. She expressed concern about discussing their living conditions with medical professionals, fearing repercussions from child welfare services.
Legal representatives have also highlighted additional complications faced by residents. Melissa Bonfiglio, deputy director and director of litigation at the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, reported that some families, upon being offered hotel accommodations, encountered unexpected fees. One family was reportedly turned away from a hotel due to an inability to pay a $100 incidental deposit, forcing them to walk back to Calvert Square in adverse weather conditions.
The NRHA responded to these accusations by stating that it has been addressing resident concerns since the heating issues escalated. The authority indicated that it initially handled complaints individually but began a full-scale assessment in November when the number of affected residents increased. As of December 7, Spearman noted that heat had been restored to her temporary unit.
The urgency surrounding the heating failures has prompted responses from city officials. Mayor Kenny Alexander stated that no resident should have to rely on inadequate heating solutions or incur out-of-pocket expenses during such a crisis. He urged the NRHA to cover all costs related to the heating outage.
The situation has also sparked discussions about the future of Calvert Square, given the NRHA’s plans to demolish the aging complex and replace it with a mixed-use development by as early as 2027.
As the weather grows colder, with temperatures expected to dip into the low 20s Fahrenheit, residents are left hoping for a swift resolution to their heating issues. The NRHA’s board of commissioners has acknowledged the need for better communication and has committed to addressing the residents’ concerns.
With the recent appointment of Michael Clark as interim executive director following the termination of former director Nathan Simms, the NRHA faces pressure to ensure that residents receive the necessary support and services during this challenging time. The community’s ability to endure such hardships underscores the critical need for reliable housing conditions in public housing complexes.
