FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Elevator problems continue at an affordable housing complex in Fresno, where elderly and disabled residents say they are once again being left stranded.
The issues are happening at The Links apartment complex on North Blackstone Avenue. After FOX26 first reported on the problem last month, residents say the elevators were repaired on May 4 — but only temporarily.
Now, tenants say the elevators have been out of service again since May 18, causing frustration and hardship for many who rely on them daily.
City Attorney Andrew Janz says his office has made the issue a top priority and has been actively working to ensure repairs are completed. (FOX26)
You may remember Jimmy Hepner. We first spoke with him on April 28 after the elevators at the complex had reportedly been down since January. At the time, Hepner said the situation was preventing him from attending doctor appointments and safely leaving his apartment.
According to residents, the elevators were restored on May 4 but remained operational for only about two weeks before failing again.
“It’s not that hard to at least have one working,” Hepner said.
Other residents say they share the same frustration, especially those with mobility challenges.
“I’ve lived here for five years,” said resident Reberta Lopez. “I know several people who are basically stranded like Jim. That poor guy can’t get out, and I know several people who can’t even make it downstairs to bring up groceries.”
We took those concerns to the Fresno City Attorney’s Office.
City Attorney Andrew Janz says his office has made the issue a top priority and has been actively working to ensure repairs are completed.
Janz says his office contacted Cal/OSHA, the agency responsible for overseeing elevator inspections in California.
FOX26 also reached out to Cal/OSHA to ask why the agency has not intervened in the case.
Cal/OSHA responded with the following:
We are aware of concerns related to elevator outages regarding the building you referenced in Fresno.The Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit’s authority is limited to ensuring elevators are safe to operate. It does not have the authority to require building owners to restore non-functioning elevators to service or address accessibility issues for tenants.Concerns about the maintenance of these elevators are best addressed with the property or building manager and through the local building authority, which regulates the conditions of building occupancy, which would include elevators and other necessary means of access to the units.
Now, Janz says the city is taking over the inspection process itself, including monitoring communication between the property owner and the elevator company to verify repair progress.
“My team is in communication, again, with the elevator company and the property owner,” Janz said. “We verify everything the property owner says.”
According to Ed Cafasso, a spokesperson for The Links, both elevators are currently out of service because of vandalism.
“Both elevators serving the community are out of order due to vandalism by residents and/or guests of residents,” Cafasso said in a statement. “We are awaiting replacement parts for both.”
Janz says the situation is unusual because the property owners have remained in communication with the city throughout the process. Because of that cooperation, the complex has so far avoided progressive fines, which can range from $800 to $1,400.
“If the property owner wasn’t working with the city and didn’t provide updates, we absolutely would issue progressive fines,” Janz said.
The spokesperson for The Links also issued an apology to residents, saying:
“We apologize to our residents for the disruption this situation has caused and thank them for their patience.”
Management remains ready to help any resident who requests assistance.