Community members help Yonkers residents impacted by massive gas outage

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Members throughout the Yonkers community came together to help more than 350 residents after they experienced a gas leak at their apartment complex. Volunteers from Stew Leonard's, state leaders and city officials gathered at the Palisades Towers Friday morning, giving out food and bottles of water to every person in the complex. Stew Leonard’s specifically donated 385 bags of food – one bag to every apartment in the complex. Volunteers including state senate majority leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, members of the city council, and even Stewart Leonard Jr. himself helped give them out. The Yonkers PBA also had a tent outside, handing out donuts and coffee. It comes after the Palisades Towers experienced the gas leak Wednesday evening. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said the leak originally went from one building to three. All eight buildings are now affected, with more than 350 people currently out of hot water and unable to use their stoves. News 12's Katerina Belales' report from Friday afternoon. News 12's Melanie Palmer's report from Thursday night. The Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority said a set timeline of when gas will return to the stoves is still up in the air. However, boilers for hot water have been set up outside the buildings and are expected to be fully running on Friday. Stew Leonard Jr. said he’s proud to see these teams come together at the last minute to help out. "I’m in shock that I was able to come 24 hours later and see we have 385 bags ready to go…it really warms my heart,” he said. Residents like Jairo Almonte said they are grateful for the community's efforts. “It’s really nice to see," he said. "I know I have friends and family that live in this area. They really appreciate it...and the kids need all of this since school is starting soon for them.” When it comes to additional help, the Yonkers City Council will be back at Palisades Towers Friday night to give pizzas to residents. St. Joseph's Hospital has also donated $10,000 to help where it's needed. "