Repairs start on elevator as seniors express frustration

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)-Low-income senior citizens living in a housing development with a broken elevator are now seeing repairs. A team worked at the Capitol Station apartments Friday after residents were forced to either take the stairs or stay inside for the last five weeks.

Betty McFarland, a 90-year-old who lives on the third floor, said she was relieved to see the repairs start. She said she hasn’t gone outside in a month.

McFarland said the repairs wouldn’t be happening if reporters didn’t show up at the building Thursday.

Manager Shey Hodowaniec said Friday’s repairs were scheduled before any media report. She said the elevator company ThyssenKrupp had to first make a part necessary for repairs. According to Hodowaniec, that company delayed scheduled repairs.

“If I were going through the same thing, I would be very disappointed in the situation itself,” Hodowaniec said. “So, it’s not fair, but we’re doing the best we can.”

She said the staff’s been helping people with groceries and throwing parties for residents on each floor.

“It’s a joke,” resident Helen Wells said.

Wells said she deserves money back from her rent.

“We’re not children. We’re elderly people. They’re supposed to care about us. And you can’t buy us for cookies and milk,” Well said.

Hodowaniec said no one has decided yet whether residents will be compensated.

She said the repair team is working through the weekend and she expects work to be done early next week.

ThyssenKrupp did not immediately respond to 24-Hour News 8’s request for comment.