Residents of the Oakley senior living complex who became homeless as a consequence of a water leak can return on Wednesday

OAKLEY – Managers of a four-story public housing complex said Monday they hope to soon reopen the constructing to dozens of residents left homeless after a water leak occurred Sunday.

The Oak Grove Senior Terrace Apartments have been placed on lockdown by the town after a clogged sewer hose can have leaked into the constructing's elevator electrical panel, said Ed Cafasso, a spokesman for the complex. Residents of the 44 units on Carol Lane are currently staying free of charge at three area hotels, he said.

The leak prompted Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials to order an influence shutoff on Sunday.

Oakley Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw said the town couldn’t confirm the timeline for reopening the constructing and allowing residents back. However, she said the town is doing “everything in its power” to reopen the constructing as soon as possible and is not going to let anyone stay until inspectors confirm the complex is secure.

The leak was brought on by a blockage within the sewer line on the bottom floor, which caused water to back up and overflow right into a vacant apartment on the second floor that was next to the elevator shaft, Cafasso said.

Contrary to initial reports, nobody was trapped within the constructing's elevator, Cafasso said. An inspection late Sunday also revealed that neither the control panel nor the elevator's electrical system had come into contact with water.

Cafasso said PG&E is predicted to revive power to the constructing on Tuesday and that residents will give you the option to return to their homes starting Wednesday after a security check of all constructing systems, including the elevator, is conducted.

After the evacuation, administrative staff picked up residents' personal belongings, arranged their hotel stays and delivered lunch and dinner to them until they’ll return home, Cafasso said. Residents can even receive a partial credit toward their June rent.

On Monday, property management distributed $300 Visa gift cards to residents to assist them replace spoiled food and canopy other expenses, Cafasso said.