Portsmouth, Va. – Joanne Fury, a five‑year resident of Silvertree Senior Apartments, has raised the alarm over a broken elevator that has been out of service since April. The outage forces seniors, walkers, wheelchair users, scooter riders and those who rely on oxygen to navigate stairs, making everyday tasks and even emergency evacuations extremely difficult.
Elevator outage impacts daily life
“A lot of my neighbors – walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen, a lot of them – they can’t, they can’t make it to the elevator. They can’t get down. And it’s really, it’s heartbreaking,” Fury told reporters. She added that many residents continue to pay rent and honor their leases, yet the building’s essential service remains unavailable.
Management acknowledges the problem
Silvertree Seniors Portsmouth management issued a statement acknowledging the frustration and inconvenience caused by the elevator interruptions, especially for senior residents and those with mobility challenges. The company confirmed that each building on the property currently has at least one operating elevator, but the broken unit requires a specially manufactured component that has delayed repairs.
“The necessary repair work was authorized in August; however, the repairs require a specially manufactured component, which has impacted the timeline for completion,” the statement read. “Our elevator service provider has scheduled the necessary repairs for November 30. In the meantime, our management team remains in active communication with the provider and is working diligently to expedite the repairs and secure an earlier service date.”
Residents seek faster action
Fury described a pattern of temporary fixes whenever the elevator malfunctions, saying, “When that breaks down, they have someone come in, do a fast fix.” She noted that while some neighbors are frustrated, many are hesitant to speak out publicly.
Beyond daily inconvenience, Fury expressed grave concerns about fire safety. “If there’s a fire, God help us. You can’t use the elevator in a fire, but if there’s a fire, God help them. They can’t get down,” she warned, underscoring the urgency of a reliable evacuation route for seniors.
Management pledges safety and accessibility
The management team reiterated that resident safety, accessibility and well‑being remain top priorities. They emphasized ongoing communication with the elevator service provider and a commitment to restoring full service as quickly as possible.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this situation has caused and appreciate our residents’ continued patience and understanding,” the statement concluded.
What’s next?
While the scheduled repair date is set for November 30, Silvertree Seniors Portsmouth says it is actively seeking an earlier service date. Residents and their families are encouraged to stay in contact with management for updates and to report any additional safety concerns.
Community advocates for seniors stress the importance of timely infrastructure maintenance in senior housing, noting that reliable elevator service is essential for independence, health and safety.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
