NYC woman 'lost a lot' after water main break floods apartment

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Jessie Acea gave PIX11 News an alternate tour of her Bronx apartment through someone else’s apartment.

What's left after around 3 feet of water tore through the ground floor are missing sheetrock and exposed studs, compliments of Monday night’s massive water main break.

Acea was upset when PIX11 met her in her living room Tuesday morning. "It's hurtful, especially around this season. This was my kitchen," said Acea.

But Friday’s return visit was almost too much to bear. "This is my bedroom. Empty. I feel empty. I wanna cry. But I'm not gonna cry," said Acea.

City emergency officials said the affected buildings on Acea’s side of Webster Avenue have restored gas and electrical service.

The building across the street is still relying on mobile emergency generators and boilers for heat and had just enough power to light the common areas.

"It's stressful, but I feel like at this point we've done all we can do," said tenant Stefanie Ortega.

That’s also where the Red Cross is set up, feeding impacted families.

"I'm glad that we're out here. We can provide some help. We've got plenty of food and blankets to pass out," said Scott Piper of the American Red Cross.

Back at Jesse’s building, the landlord’s crews are making quick work of the demo and gut job to every flood-water damaged apartment.

Acea, meanwhile, accepted the landlord’s offer to stay in another property until she can move back into what will be a newly renovated unit.

It’s good news, indeed, but it still hurts.

"And I know a lot of people are going through things too and I have to appreciate that I have life, but I lost a lot. A lot of memories, a lot of stuff that will never be replaced," said Acea.

Emergency service has been restored, but a full repair of the 4-foot water main will take place after the holidays. Complicating matters, the giant pipe dates back to the year 1890 and is a full 25 feet below the surface.