Residents of a Queens rental complex are grappling with persistent elevator issues that have plagued the buildings for over a decade. The Hunter’s Point South development in Long Island City, a city-subsidized complex with nearly 1,000 apartments, is equipped with nine elevators that tenants say frequently break down, trap passengers, and make alarming noises.
Matt Aaron, leader of the tenant association, described the elevator malfunctions as a "rite of passage" for residents. He noted that the call button for assistance does not always function when individuals are trapped. "The management said they are monitoring the cameras … but the front desk staff has to attend to other duties," Aaron stated. "When there is a problem, they don’t take us seriously."
These issues have persisted despite recent upgrades. Two of the nine elevators were reportedly modernized last month after a cable snapped, trapping a woman and a child between floors. However, tenants reported that even the upgraded elevators have since trapped other residents. One tenant recounted being stuck on June 14, with none of the elevator buttons working. After failing to get a prompt response from the elevator company, the Fire Department was called to extricate her.
Residents have also described elevators "literally dropping, like a bungee cord," and others that only stop at certain floors. Chris Szeles, a resident for 10 years, recounted being stuck for over an hour when the problems first began and now avoids the elevators, with her husband opting to take the stairs for 29 flights.
For some residents, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, the elevators are essential. Frank Llewellyn, 77, who relies on elevators due to knee problems, described having to walk up six flights, a journey that took him about 35 minutes. "For people who are disabled, elevators are their lifeline," Aaron said.
The Department of Buildings has issued at least four elevator-related violations to the development, including one in April. Tenants report that the ongoing problems lead to delays in after-school pickups and late-night laundry runs, with wait times for elevators sometimes reaching 45 minutes. During peak hours, some residents resort to costly Uber rides to get to work, and during outages, vulnerable tenants are left stranded.
Related Companies, the building's management, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The building's previous tenants have also reported issues, with one recalling vibrations and noise from the elevator shaft disrupting sleep. Residents held a media rally after the 2024 cable incident, advocating for repairs, but recent outages have renewed their concerns about the functionality and safety of the elevators.