Madison Heights seniors complex roasts without air conditioning

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) - Seniors living in an apartment complex in Madison Heights have been without air conditioning for days as metro Detroit deals with our latest heat wave.

Tenants at the Madison Heights Co-Op Apartments say the same thing happened last August and that the air conditioning was out for almost a month. This time, the system isn't expected to be fixed for 20 to 30 days.

Many residents with family in the area have left the complex until the air is turned back on.

Those left say they have been dealing with the heat as best they can with fans and portable air conditioning units. However, those smaller units must meet strict requirements because of worries over the electrical capacity of the building. However, residents have voted to rent a generator to solve that problem.

Still, even with the fans and other measures, many say living in the heat has been unbearable. Some say they've considered going to the hospital.

Residents are also concerned about neighbors with health problems. They say some with asthma and heart problems are having an especially tough time. They also say they're concerned about neighbors in wheelchairs who can't leave on their own.