Residents tell Bedford Heights council Mother Teresa Manor has gone seven days without hot water; mayor says regulator will be replaced

Several Bedford Heights residents told the city council on July 7 that conditions at the Mother Teresa Manor senior housing property had deteriorated, including an extended loss of hot water and intermittent elevator and alarm problems.

Iris Johnston, identifying herself from Chester Street and speaking on behalf of Mother Teresa Manor residents, said the building had been without hot water for seven days. "This is our 7th day of no hot water at all," she said, and thanked council and mayoral staff for their support while noting HUD planned to inspect the property before the building’s next court date on July 17.

Kim Cunningham spoke for her 90‑year‑old mother and other residents and described late‑night elevator failures and fire‑alarm incidents that left elderly residents vulnerable. "That's dangerous," she said, urging city attention and stronger follow‑up with building management.

Mayor Stevens and staff responded that a city inspector visited the facility the same day and determined a failed regulator in the building’s hot‑water system was the likely cause. The mayor said the regulator is scheduled to be replaced and that he will meet with building management; he asked staff to return with updates after the replacement and the scheduled inspections. Council members who had attended recent court proceedings said they were supporting residents at hearings and would continue to follow up.

The public comment period closed without a council motion or directive recorded at that meeting; the mayor and staff said they would continue to monitor repairs and post updates to residents once the regulator replacement and HUD inspection occur.