Just one day after
KHOU 11 covered the issue of malfunctioning elevators at a senior living community in Houston.
, occupants from another flat have also stepped forward with related issues.
In the Mariposa at Reed Road, a retirement community for those aged 55 and older located in southeastern Houston, both elevators have been out of order for almost two weeks now — causing numerous elderly residents to be confined to their units or find difficulty using the staircases.
I simply remained at home,” stated 75-year-old Eligha Ellis, residing on the third floor. “I got my groceries delivered via Instacart after placing an order online, and I had to cancel my medical appointments as I couldn’t attend them.
When the elevators broke down during the Easter holiday, Ellis mentioned that he hadn’t received his new prosthetic limb yet. Without it, he had no choice but to maneuver himself backward up the staircase to make it to his flat.
“He expressed his frustration saying, ‘It simply doesn’t add up.’”
Ellis informed KHOU 11 that one of the structure’s lifts has experienced occasional issues; however, this marks the first instance where both ceased functioning simultaneously. Upon querying administration about potentially being relocated to a residence on the lower level, he did not get a definitive response.
He is not alone in his struggle.
“One of my closest friends resides on the third floor, and she has had to cancel five follow-up doctor’s appointments,” stated resident Portia Matthews.
Lois Blackmon, another community member, stated that the circumstances have become so severe that emergency services have been summoned several times this week—however, these calls were not related to medical urgencies but rather to assist residents with navigating the staircases.
I noticed the fire department was out here twice just yesterday,” Blackmon stated. “This isn’t the only issue though. The gates have been damaged for months, and individuals are breaking into vehicles.
On Friday,KHOU 11 toured the location and interviewed an onsite supervisor who mentioned that the postponement is because of a problem with the elevator maintenance firm. They stated that essential components had been expedited, and one lift was anticipated to be operational by Friday evening.
However, for those residents who depend on these elevators, the wait has become far too lengthy.
The Mariposa at Reed Road development is managed by Austin-based developer Bonner Carrington. By Friday night, officials from the company had yet to reply to several inquiries seeking comments.
KHOU 11 is likewise staying updated on developments at Magnolia Place Apartments, where inhabitants report having experienced elevator problems for several months now.
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