Elevator Is Just
Too Expensive

Vermont State Housing Authority would like to take this opportunity to respond to the letter to the editor, "Brightwood Apts. Needs Elevator" that appeared in your Sept. 20 issue. We have provided a more detailed response to the residents of the property directly but want to bring certain highlights to the attention to your readers.

In the letter, residents raise their concerns about the lack of an elevator at the Brightwood House Apartments which are located in South Royalton.

First and foremost, we agree that an elevator at the Brightwood House would be a benefit to all. As an owner and manager of affordable living communities across the state, we are committed to keeping all individuals in their setting of choice.

Thanks to Vermont's Housing and Supportive Service (HASS) funds and HUD's Multi-family Housing Service Coordinator funds, we have two service coordinators on staff who dedicate the majority of their time to this issue.

Equally important to understand is we tried. The building was designed to include an elevator but we were required by the federal government to remove it from the building plans. They would not provide the funding to have one installed.

Adding an elevator now, through the operating and reserve accounts, is estimated to cost $100,000. This is simply not feasible on a 15-unit property where the elevator would only serve four units.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that 5% of units be accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; over 27% of the units at Brightwood House meet this criteria. We know that transferring residents from one level to another is not the best option; however, at this point in time, it is the only option we have.

The good news is that as a result of the letters, conversations have started and we are hopeful something positive will come forth.

The Brightwood House is meeting a critical need in a small community. Back in 1991, I made the decision to move forward and build/renovate the property without the elevator. It is a wonderful complex which the VSHA is proud to own.

Richard M. Williams

Executive Director

Vermont State Housing Authority