With her toddler all bundled up in the stroller, City of Newburgh resident Lauren Barnett came forward to the city council during their regular meeting on Monday, December 13. During public comments, Barnett shared with the council her wait for hot water and heat as her property still did not have it. She expressed frustration and wants her situation amended.
Barnett spoke with the Times back in October about how her and her toddler have lived since she moved into the apartment on Clinton Street back in January. Barnett said hot water was intermittent in her apartment. She has now found a new place of employment that offered more pay to help with expenses. In recent weeks, the city manager, plumbing inspector, the City Fire Chief, Francis Spinelli, a legal representative and the property management company have been working with Barnett to amend the situation.
On Wednesday, December 15, a new boiler was installed that afternoon. “I’m very happy to say that I do have consistent heat and hot water it seems. I know it’s only been a day but it’s definitely different than past experiences,” Barnett said. “I just had a guest come over that usually comes over my house and that person was like ‘oh you have hot water’. When I got out of the shower yesterday, I was able to bathe my son as well.” Barnett said that her toddler took his toys and brought them to the shower and gave them a bath as well.
Spinelli said he began working with Barnett and her situation three weeks ago. “There was an issue with a boiler. We had a successful resolution of an issue that eventually wound up in the full replacement of a boiler,” Spinelli said. The plumbing inspector and Spinelli worked closely to investigate the problem, with the guidance of the city manager. Due to a warranty on the boiler, this added additional time to reaching a resolution. “We received thank yous last night (Dec 15) and this morning (Dec 16),” Spinelli said.
“In these types of situations, I encourage people just to not give up,” Barnett said. Barnett continues to live on Clinton Street with her toddler and her case is coming to a close. She extends her thanks to the fire chief, city manager, her legal representative and the property management company for their work in amending her situation. “I really like where I live,” Barnett said.