Monica Makes It Happen: East Harlem sisters need kitchen repairs
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — An East Harlem woman is fighting for repairs in her kitchen.
Keila Melendez, who lives at the East River Houses, said she has had a reoccurring leak since August of 2023. In September, crews came to fix it, tore the wall apart, and left it a mess.
Melendez said the fix is a priority because her sister, who is autistic, is home-bound.
“It’s all about making sure your sister is safe. We have to fix this kitchen,” Keila said.
Melendez said PIX11 had to meet her best friend, her older sister Reina. Keila told PIX11 she has devoted her life to ensuring her sister is safe and cared for. Living with autism, their home is her world. She said that’s why this repair situation is breaking her heart.
Melendez wants crews to find the leak and repair the wall. She wants her kitchen back so she can cook for her sister again.
PIX11 reached out to NYCHA about Melendez’s kitchen repairs. A spokesperson told PIX11:
“NYCHA staff have visited the apartment and were able to trace the source of the leak to a broken pipe inside of the wall. Plumbers will be back Thursday to finish leak abatement work. Once completed, staff will schedule the remaining repairs.”
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