The six-story-tall Jenny Lind Hall remains without working elevators . The problem, which arose in February, persists and on Tuesday the city’s Building Development Services held an abatement hearing to address the issue.
Jenny Lind Hall, at 711 S. Jefferson Ave., is U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-subsidized housing catering to those 62 and older or those with disabilities. Springfield City Council has heard complaints from residents and advocates for months regarding the elevators as well as other safety and health concerns in units. In early August, council scolded the management company , Millennia Housing Management, for its inaction and urged HUD to investigate the company.
Several Jenny Lind Hall residents, as well as representatives from Springfield Tenants Unite, were on hand to observe the hearing Tuesday. Councilman Brendon Jenson, who was one of the council members to call out the management company, was also present.
The city inspector on the case, Parley Kelsch, testified on his findings, and the lack of solutions. Craig Lowther, attorney representing Millennia, said the management has done everything they could have and said it will take another 9-12 months to get the elevators running.