A resident of a 10-story Upper West Side building contacted ILTUWS about an impending elevator shutdown that will impact several elderly and disabled tenants—without any rent concessions.
The Grace Church and Apartments is located at 123 West 104th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues) and is owned by The United Methodist City Society. The 68-unit building provides affordable housing as well as units for clergy. The tipster expressed concern about the closure’s impact on many residents who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, canes — even oxygen. If an emergency like a fire were to occur, there is serious concern about how residents would safely evacuate the building. Phipps, the property manager, posted a notice to tenants on July 27 stating that the shutdown would last until November 14, though that “could change depending on materials needed.”
“I’m afraid of hypothetical emergency scenarios, that something catastrophic will happen,” said our tipster, who lives in a rent-stabilized unit they described as “below market value.” The tipster requested anonymity out of fear of being seen as a “rabble rouser” for reporting a serious matter, worried it could affect their standing to rent units there—or elsewhere—in the future. “What about my dog?” they added, noting that they would also have to carry a heavy bike up and down the building when they need to commute…