Exclusive: Elevator outage at NYCHA building strands Mott Haven tenants
Tenants say one elevator has been under construction and out of commission. The other suddenly stopped working Monday.
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An elevator outage is impacting hundreds of tenants in Mott Haven, leaving some unable to access their homes.
Tenants tell News 12 the elevator went out at 360 E 137th St. Monday afternoon, during the peak of the extreme heat. The outage leaves the stairs as their only option, but that is impossible for many who are seniors or disabled.
"I live on 18, and I've been stuck here, it's been 24 hours," said Alberto Rios, who uses a wheelchair. "I need my medication, that's the main thing. I got heart problems, I have six stents in my heart, I have high blood pressure, and come on, I've been in this wheelchair for 24 hours."
"Since yesterday at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, we've got people in walkers and wheelchairs," said Roberto Barriera, who also lives on the 18th floor. "Come on, that's not fair to them."
Tenants say one elevator has been under construction and out of commission. The other suddenly stopped working Monday.
Officials at the New York City Housing Authority say ongoing work to update one elevator put added strain on the other and that repairs are in progress. They add that there is staff available to assist tenants with stair climbers.
Residents in need of assistance can call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA app.
