Tenants at Pepper Tree Manor reached out to KHOU 11 with their issues after our extensive reporting on broken elevators across the Houston area.
HOUSTON — Nearly two months after KHOU 11 first exposed broken elevators trapping elderly and disabled residents in Houston-area apartment complexes, more tenants are coming forward with similar stories – this time at Pepper Tree Manor in northwest Houston.
Residents said one of the building’s elevators has been out of service for several days, but they claimed that this is nothing new. They alleged that elevator failures happen frequently and affect all elevators at the senior living community.
The ongoing issues have left many residents frustrated and desperate for change, particularly those living on the upper floors.
When KHOU 11 visited the complex Monday, pressing the button for the broken elevator resulted in no response.
“The elevator has been out for like a week,” 64-year-old resident Gwendolyn Simpson said.
Simpson lives on the fourth floor and said she suffers from health problems that make it difficult for her to use the stairs or walk to the elevators on the opposite side of the building. She said getting basic necessities has become a challenge.
“It was just too difficult to go get your water or your food, because you can’t do that at this age,” Simpson said.
While the other two elevators in the building were operational during KHOU 11’s visit, according to residents, Simpson said all of them go out of service frequently.
“One might come broke, then the next one might come,” Simpson said. “It keeps happening. It keeps happening.”
Second-floor resident John LeBlanc expressed similar concerns.
“I’ve been turning it in, telling people about it, but every time you look around, it’s broke down,” LeBlanc said.
KHOU 11 attempted to speak with staff at the Pepper Tree Manor leasing office. Employees declined to answer questions and instead directed us to Broad Management Group, the corporate management company overseeing the property.
Multiple calls to Broad Management Group went unanswered Monday. A voicemail and email were sent requesting details on the elevator issues and the timeline for repairs. As of Monday evening, the company had not responded.
When asked about the management’s response to the current breakdown, Simpson answered: “They need some part, got to have some part, got to wait for the part to come.”
While it is still unclear how long repairs will take this time around, Simpson has started packing. Several boxes line the walls of her apartment.
“I’ve got to move away from here. I have to move away from here,” she said.
KHOU 11 will continue to follow up and push for answers on behalf of residents.