Yesterday marked the second year that residents at 630 Bergen Avenue have lived without an elevator inside of the five story high building. Residents rallied in front of their home to bring attention to their plight; an elevator that has not worked properly for the past two years causing immense hardship on the residents that live in the building. Commissioner and Jersey City Mayoral Candidate Bill O’Dea, residents from nearby buildings and many others joined their neighbors to protest the elevator’s lack of repair and the numerous challenges that tenants face on a daily basis due to the neglect by the building’s property owner.

“It’s irresponsible and the city should not stand for this,” said Commissioner O’Dea in his remarks in front of the building last night. “Every week we’re playing a game of elevator on…elevator off. When you’re a senior and you live in a high rise building, especially one that has government funding going towards it, you shouldn’t have to make bets as to whether or not you’ll be able to make it back upstairs when you get home.”

Residents have reported that garbage piles up in the hallways as no one was willing to navigate the stairs to dispose of it. This unsanitary condition has created an unpleasant living environment and poses health risks. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable since they are more reluctant to leave their apartments in the absence of a working elevator. In addition to unsanitary conditions, residents have also reported being trapped.

In 2023, Jersey City Fire Department responded to 447 emergency calls related to trapped elevator occupants. As of July 19, 2024, that number is already at 259 emergency calls. To combat this consistent problem in residences, a draft ordinance has been prepared by Jersey City Councilman Danny Rivera, which would grant the Director of Code Compliance the authority to declare such situations as health and safety risks.

This would empower the city to intervene and compel the property owner to undertake the necessary repairs, with the associated costs being shouldered by the owner. Failure to comply with this proposed ordinance would result in a tax lien being placed on the property until the bill is settled.

In addition to Commissioner O’Dea, County Register Jeff Dublin and aides from Councilman Danny Rivera’s office were present.

Commissioner O’Dea commented, “No one should have to fear for their safety when they are just trying to get somewhere or get to their home.”