Seniors at Penn Hills apartment complex left without elevator for weeks

PENN HILLS, Pa. — Seniors were left stranded in their apartments for weeks after management said the only elevator in the senior living complex would be out of service while they searched for new parts.

Residents told Channel 11 News that was one month ago. And on Wednesday after speaking with several residents and making calls to the property owner a technician was sent out, but no repairs were made.

The elevator at Beechtree Commons, a senior facility in Penn Hills, has been out of service for one month.

Carmilla Strong has lived there for just two months.

“I thought it was going to be fabulous until I started hearing about the complaints,” said Strong.

The development which is owned by National Church Residences said on its website that the property is wheelchair friendly, and even boasts dozens of on-site amenities like laundry, an elevator, and a resident service coordinator.

“That’s a lie,” explained Strong.

Strong added that tenants received multiple notifications pushing back the completion of the elevator repair, “They were supposed to come Friday, but never showed up. They were supposed to come today, but they never showed up. I mean how long are seniors supposed to live without access to an elevator.”

But residents said management has left tenants stranded in their homes for weeks unable to access laundry, deliveries, and even doctors’ appointments.

The problem is worse for tenants like Debbie Lusky who has undergone spinal and brain surgery for a chronic illness.

“I’ve been stuck on that elevator twice, and the jolt that’s enough to kill me,” said Lusky.

We asked Lusky had any accommodations had been made for tenants with a disability, and she said, “no” – they were instructed to call 9-1-1.

“I’ve had to carry my groceries, and I can’t do that either, neither can the people in our building,” said Lusky.

We spoke with those residents around noon, then we made calls at 1 p.m., and within two hours, a technician arrived. Unfortunately, tenants said the elevator still is not working.

“[The property] is getting too much money to live like this,” said Strong.

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