Photo: Jim.henderson, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
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Residents at the Amsterdam Houses are raising alarms about dark smoke coming from a temporary boiler installed last year as part of a major heating upgrade — a situation first brought to light by CBS News.
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Several tenants at the thirteen-building NYCHA complex–located from 61st and 65th streets between Amsterdam and West End Avenue–told CBS they’ve been dealing with black dust and an acrid smell they believe is coming from the mobile boiler, which NYCHA set up in October 2024 while it undertakes a nearly $50 million overhaul of the complex’s heating system. Some said the issue has intensified in recent weeks as temperatures dropped.One resident, Hector Camacho, said he’s been cleaning constantly to keep up with what he described as a soot-like substance settling around his apartment. Camacho, who went into remission from stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma a decade ago and currently lives with sarcoidosis, said the fumes have been affecting his sinuses and making him increasingly anxious. He recalled the boiler initially giving off an odor similar to burning rubber. “Now, it’s just like a fire,” he told CBS, adding that the emissions appear heavier and more frequent.
Other tenants said they’re keeping their windows shut to avoid the smell, which they fear could aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. The buildup around window sills was another common complaint. One resident noted how difficult it’s become to get fresh air without inviting more dust inside.
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, who chairs the state Assembly’s Housing Committee, met with NYCHA’s CEO and tenants on Monday as part of a previously scheduled meeting. She told CBS she was informed the boiler was releasing steam vapor, not harmful particles, but that NYCHA representatives agreed to inspect the system after residents voiced concerns.
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection also responded to a complaint a few days earlier and reported finding no smoke-related violations.
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Even so, the reassurances have done little to ease worries for some tenants. Camacho said he’s concerned about breathing the emissions daily and feels the installation was mishandled. Rosenthal told CBS the temporary boiler is expected to be removed by summer.In a statement to CBS News, NYCHA said the mobile units are necessary while the new heating plant is built and emphasized that the agency is working with city partners to ensure the system meets all requirements. NYCHA also said it holds regular check-ins with residents and encouraged anyone needing assistance to contact its Customer Contact Center or submit a request through the MyNYCHA app.
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