East Village Residents Demand Action Amid Prolonged Legionella Crisis

Tensions reached a breaking point this week at Haven Plaza, an affordable housing development in the East Village, where residents say they have been living without safe access to showers for two months. The protest follows the detection of *Legionella* bacteria in the building's water system, a discovery that has left many tenants fearful of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.

During a press conference held Thursday, members of the Haven Plaza Tenant Association criticized both Wavecrest Management and Catholic Homes for what they described as a lack of transparency and inadequate support. Dana Cruz, president of the tenant association, stated that management has repeatedly ignored requests for alternative water sources, filtration systems, and rent relief. Residents also reported that water service is frequently interrupted for hours at a time with little notice.

Council Member Harvey Epstein, who represents the district, attended the gathering to voice his support for the tenants. He argued that the residents of Haven Plaza deserve the same level of urgency and clear communication as those in other parts of the city currently facing similar health outbreaks.

Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed at the property within the last year, according to reports. One long-term resident, Felix Sicardo, shared his experience of falling ill nearly a year ago, describing a severe decline in health that left him unable to stand.

In response to the mounting criticism, a spokesperson for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) stated that the agency has been actively engaged with the community since May. The department noted that it has conducted multiple site visits, held resident meetings, and provided guidance to address health concerns.

Wavecrest Management and Catholic Homes issued a joint statement confirming that a remediation program, including a full water treatment and disinfection plan, began this week following approval from the DOHMH. Management maintained that they are committed to resident safety and are providing regular updates, though many tenants continue to report that they have received little to no direct communication regarding the status of the water supply.

As the situation continues, some residents have taken legal action. Kristin Ankuta, a tenant who has been vocal about the lack of information, revealed that she recently appeared in housing court after withholding rent to demand clarity from property owners. The timeline for the completion of the disinfection process remains unclear.