Royal Oak Manor Air Conditioning Expected to be Repaired in 2 Weeks, Management Says

The 240 residents of the 11-story without air conditioning got a break today as temperatures dropped from record-high 90s to the 60s and 70s.

The heating and cooling system for the Williams Street seniors high-rise is expected to remain shut down during repairs, which are expected to take a couple of weeks, building managers said. The system has been off for weeks, but until the recent heat spell, it didn’t pose a problem. 

More than a dozen residents fled to the homes of friends or family members this week while they wait for the problem to be fixed.

"Royal Oak Manor has a number of pipes and valves within their heating/cooling system that have reached the end of their useful life and are starting to leak," according to a statement released today by CSI Support & Development Services, a building management company based in Warren.

"Repairs were delayed during the heating season so that they could be performed as soon as the weather got warm enough to shut the system down," the statement said. "Work can only be performed when both the air and heat is turned off. System repairs are under way, and air is scheduled to be turned on by June 24."

CSI said it has provided fans and portable air conditioners for residents in the meantime.

"Because this building is cooperatively managed by the residents, all of these measures were voted on, approved and communicated through multiple resident meetings," CSI said in the statement.

Resident MaryAnne Vincent said Wednesday that her doctor told her it would be best to move to a cooler location, but she had 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.”

Resident Virginia King was a bit more understanding about the situation, although she noted Wednesday — when temperatures climbed into the upper 90s — that 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.”