STAMFORD, Conn. — Disabled and other residents are trapped in their six-story building in Connecticut due to a broken elevator that may not be fixed for up to a month.
The Advocate of Stamford reports that the 35-year-old elevator at the Eleanor Roosevelt House in Stamford failed last week. Some residents are canceling Thanksgiving plans and medical appointments, while others have to be carried down the stairs.
Eighty-five-year-old Irene Thompson who has lived on the fifth floor for 23 years says her Thanksgiving may be delivered by volunteers. She had hoped to spend the day with a friend.
“I think this is ridiculous,” she said. “I have never heard of an elevator being down for so long. I feel trapped up here.”
Thompson is crippled by arthritis and is only mobile when she uses a walker. Stairs are out of the question.
“I almost tried it once, but I got scared,” she said. “Something tells me inside that I can’t make it.”
Building manager Richard Freeman said Tuesday he is doing everything possible to fix the problem and a contractor is authorized for the work.
The delay is because a control panel system must be ordered and wiring must be custom designed.
