Rising Concerns Over Elevator Failures at Senior Apartment Complex
Residents of a senior apartment complex in Sugar Land are increasingly voicing their frustrations over the ongoing issues with the building’s elevators. The situation has sparked significant concern, especially as the management company involved is already under scrutiny for similar problems at another property.
The latest complaints come from the Gala at Four Corners senior apartments, where both elevators have been out of service for nearly a week. This has left many residents struggling to access essential services and maintain their daily routines.
Pamela Howard, a third-floor resident who uses a wheelchair, shared her distress over the situation. As a dialysis patient, she requires regular medical appointments, which she has missed due to the elevator outage. “I go three times a week, so I missed two sessions this week because, of course, I couldn’t get downstairs,” she said.
On Saturday, Howard had no choice but to call emergency services to leave her apartment. “I called 911 and the ambulance came and the firemen, and they carried me downstairs,” she explained. This incident highlights the severity of the problem and the risks faced by residents who rely on elevators for mobility.
The situation is not limited to just one building within the complex. The only other building at Gala also has a broken elevator, leaving other residents feeling trapped and isolated. Kathy Mooney, a third-floor resident, described the experience as being like being in prison. “I have heart disease and crippling arthritis… If I don’t have to go out, I’m not going out, because I can barely get up the stairs, so I just stay home. I’m stuck here.”
Gala at Four Corners is managed by Asset Living, the same company that oversees the Jubilee at Texas Parkway senior apartments in Missouri City. KHOU 11 has previously reported on extensive elevator issues at that property, where residents went nearly two months without a functioning elevator.
In response to the current situation, Asset Living issued a statement to KHOU 11. According to the company, a storm last Sunday knocked out the fire panel at Gala, which in turn disabled the elevators. They stated that repairs are underway, but noted that the elevator repair company is waiting for the fire monitoring company to take the first steps.
The statement included the following details:
– “We have already contacted the fire monitoring company, and they are going to be out to fix the fire panel within the next couple of days.”
– “Once the panel is fixed, the elevator company will come out and completely fix the elevators.”
– “We’ve already signed contracts with both companies.”
Asset Living also mentioned that apartment staff has gone door-to-door to inform residents about the issue and is offering assistance with groceries and trash removal. However, as of Saturday night, the elevators at both buildings remained inoperable, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
The ongoing issues at these senior living facilities underscore the importance of reliable infrastructure and timely maintenance. For residents who depend on elevators for mobility, the lack of functioning equipment poses serious challenges and safety risks. As the situation continues to unfold, the need for swift and effective solutions becomes even more critical.
