Replacement Of Failing Elevator In 5-Story Apartment House To Force Building Full Of Elderly People To Struggle Up & Down Stairs For Next Two Months

In Stoneham, Massachusetts, WFXT-TV Channel 25 reports:

• The elevator at 100 Park Terrace Condominiums is out of order until the end of November, leaving a building full of elderly residents struggling to live their lives.
  
  The Stoneham building's elevator is being replaced, meaning the only elevator taking residents up and down five floors is gone and their only solution is the stairs.
  
  "What concerns me is some of the tenants here who are in worse physical condition than myself," Kathy, a 75-year-old resident said.
  
  One of the younger residents of the building passed his cell phone number around in case anyone needs help getting up and down the stairs in case of an emergency. But also for some everyday help.
  
  “I gave them my phone number and said if they have groceries or trash, anything coming in or out, call me, and I’ll bring it up or bring it down,” fourth floor resident Adam Cravo said.
  
  Cravo said the building management did let residents know it would be out, but didn't make any provisions for anyone in need.
  
  “I know there are several people in the building, well fourth and fifth floor, that are not here right now. They’re staying with other people. I know they’re not here," Kathy said.
  
  When it comes to everyday tasks, it's a major problem for most of them. In fact, Kathy told FOX25 she bought three months’ worth of groceries because she can't get them up and down the stairs.
  
  Stoneham Fire Chief Matt Grafton said no one told the fire department or dispatch to let emergency personnel know there was an elevator out. He said, typically, buildings will call to let them know. But he has since called the building manager to straighten it out.
  
  FOX25 contacted the property managers, who said they considered installing a chairlift, but it was too expensive and wouldn't have passed code. They said residents were given adequate notice they would be losing their elevator.
  
  Officials with the Mass. Office of Disability say the tenants are protected under fair housing laws and they can ask for reasonable accommodations.(1)

Source: Elevator repairs leave elderly Stoneham residents in the lurch.

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(1) Could a fair housing lawsuit be in the landlord/property manager's future?