WOODBURY — Residents were evacuated from Woodbury Court Apartments Wednesday after officials learned that a busted boiler has left tenants without regular heat for at least two weeks.

According to reports from residents — later confirmed by officials who visited the South Broad Street apartment complex Wednesday afternoon — the heat at Woodbury Court shut down sometime last month.

The property manager distributed electric space heaters to residents after the malfunction. However, they proved insufficient and caused power outages throughout the complex, residents said.

“The heat hasn’t been working for weeks, and my son has been sick,” said Woodbury Court resident Jafia Young on Wednesday. “My daughter is 5 and my son is 1, and we’ve all been sleeping with our jackets on this whole time.”

Depending on which resident was telling it, the apartments have been without heat for anywhere between two weeks to a month.

The property manager, David Kalisch, and the owner of the complex, South Broad Street Associates, could not be reached for comment.

Young contacted the city housing inspector’s office Tuesday night. The Gloucester County Health Department received a call about the situation Wednesday morning.

Later in the day, the health department issued a violation for a nonfunctioning heating unit.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs also became involved, and directed the South Broad Street Associates to install a temporary boiler immediately.

“That boiler should be installed by the end of the day (Thursday),” said Gloucester County spokeswoman Deb Sellitto.

In the meantime, city officials and police went door-to-door through the 44-unit apartment complex relocating residents. Those who didn’t have another place to stay were transported via county bus to Woodbury Mews Assisted Living, on Green Avenue.

Pat Alloway, who has lived at Woodbury Court since 1996, was one of those catching the bus.

“Excuse my language, but it’s been hell,” said Alloway, carrying clothes and other necessary items in plastic bags. “I just think it stinks. I have four cats, and they’re sick and I’m getting sick.”

Residents relocated to Woodbury Mews were supplied with cots by the Woodbury Office of Emergency Management, with the American Red Cross supplying 100 blankets, according to Laura Steinmetz, community relations officer for the Red Cross’ South Jersey Region.

According to Woodbury administrator Michael Theokas, the property owner will be hit with violations from the city, county and state's department of community affairs. While the county health violation does not come with a fine, the owner will likely pay a penalty to the city and state.

“Those violations will be forthcoming,” said Theokas. “Our concern, of course, is the safety of the residents. The city office of emergency management is handling the relocation and we have been in contact with the property manager and expect the temporary boiler to be in by the end of (Thursday).”

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Contact staff writer Jason Laday at 856-686-3628 or jladay@southjerseymedia.com.