'I feel like I’m in prison.' Bushwick tenants spend 3 weeks without an elevator
One tenant was seen lugging luggage down the stairs, while a pair of elderly women attempted to carry two shopping carts up to the fourth floor.
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Some tenants in Bushwick told News 12 that they ‘feel stuck in their own homes.’
They say the only elevator in their seven-story apartment building at 87 Melrose St. has been out for three weeks.
“I feel like I’m in prison! Said Barbara Bleau. “They have me captured here!”
Bleau, who uses a walker, was out of breath Wednesday as she attempted to walk down one flight of stairs.
The 76-year-old was forced to turn around after she struggled with seven steps, when it usually takes 64 steps to get to the lobby.
“I actually broke down crying yesterday because I felt like the walls are closing in on me,” said Bleau.
She’s not alone, as a News 12 crew witnessed other people taking the trek up and down the stairs.
One tenant was seen lugging luggage down the stairs, while a pair of elderly women attempted to carry two shopping carts up to the fourth floor.
“Come on!” said Violet S., a home attendant for a tenant on the sixth floor. “This is no good.”
“People need [the elevator],” said Maria Rodriguez, who was visiting her elderly relative on the third floor. “There are old people here and sick.”
News 12 contacted RiseBoro Community Partnership on Wednesday to ask what caused the delay and when tenants can expect the elevator to be fixed.
"RiseBoro is committed to safe, quality housing for every resident we serve and ensuring reliable access to their homes,” said a spokesperson in a statement. “We are working urgently with our repair vendors to restore elevator service as soon as possible and will continue to communicate updates directly to tenants."
But Bleau said there has been no communication.
“We deserve answers, and we’re not getting these answers,” said Bleau.
A spokesperson told News 12 that “the elevator installer was on site today, assessing the fastest path to repair.”
News 12 did not see anyone working on the elevator while on the property.
