Emergency Request for Tennessee Elevator Repair Approved

Johnson City, Tennessee, Commissioners approved a US$400,000 emergency request for elevator repairs at the iconic John Sevier Center (JSC), a low-income rental high rise with nearly 150 residents, with a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspection planned for June 14, WJHL reports. One of the 11-story building’s elevators hasn’t worked at all for about six months, and the other, which only reaches the 10th floor and now has a long wait time, frequently malfunctions. These problems could cost the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) up to 10 points on the inspection. The program is supposed to conduct annual inspections for failing units — a passing score is 60 — but the JSC hasn’t undergone a REAC inspection since 2017 (on which the building scored a 46), with COVID-19 playing a role in the delay. Officials say that “tons of money” has been spent in the last few years to keep the elevators operating, but finding parts and someone to work on the older system has been difficult, according to the source. Premier Elevator has agreed to contract terms for the repair. The broken elevator will be overhauled first, making way for computer-based equipment: Residents on walkers or wheelchairs will be recognized by infrared devices and not have to use the buttons. The upgrades are expected to take five to six weeks for each elevator.