People who live on part of the third floor of St. Joseph Apartments have had trouble getting around.

The elevator that goes to that part of the building has been broken for months.

It got fixed after our first report in May, but the relief didn’t last long. It’s broken again.

“They finally decided to break down and get a new one, but here’s the thing, they said it could take, at the least, six months,” resident Anne Marie Malitzia said. “Knowing the way things are, it could be a year.”

Anne Marie Malitiza lives on the other side of the third floor. She has been able to get to and from her apartment. She’s worried about those who can’t. 

A sign dated June 16 said they’re working with companies to fix a piece that’s not made anymore. 

“People are still stuck up there. The fire department has come and helped,” she said. 

The chair lift to get up there hasn’t been fixed, either. An aide is there for a few hours a day to help.

“She does help get people down who are capable of getting down the stairs with assistance, but there [are] so many other people up there that can’t do that,” she said. 

There are more problems. 

A hallway fire alarm on her floor is also broken. The lever on the alarm has been broken for months.

“There’s no way of pulling to down. The office has been notified several times. Nothing has been done about it,” she said. 

She said it’s not fair for people to live in these conditions. 

She wants to move out, and she wants to get help for those who stay.

“Things need to be done. Things need to be fixed. People need to live in a safe, comfortable environment,” she said. “And it’s not happening.”

The building is operated by Housing and Neighborhood Development Service (HANDS). Its CEO, Matthew Good, sent Erie News Now an email. 

He said they are working to fix the elevator and the lift. He is not sure when they will get fixed, but hopes to know more soon. 

Residents with concerns should contact the following individuals:

  • Property Manager at 814-453-3333 ext. 113
  • Director of Property Management at 814-453-3333 ext. 124

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