Munroe formally introduces elevator bill
Rep. Brian Munroe October 17, 2023 | 11:10 AM
Munroe formally introduces elevator bill
HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – After circulating a co-sponsorship memo in September, state Rep. Brian Munroe, D- Bucks, officially introduced his bill that would aid residents living in multistory apartment buildings and condominiums.
House Bill 1761 would require all new apartment buildings and condominiums with two or more floors to have at least two elevators. Current buildings would be exempted.
The legislation stemmed from two separate incidents over two years that occurred in Munroe’s district in western Bucks County.
In 2022, Centennial Station, located in Warminster Township, shut down the only elevators in six of its 10 buildings for repairs. Centennial Station has more than 400 condominiums and many of its elderly residents were unable to navigate the stairs.
Earlier this year, Park Place, a 55-and-older community located in Warminster Township, was struck by lightning during one of the summer storms, which resulted in the only elevator in the building to stop working for more than seven weeks. Much like the Centennial Station situation, residents unable to use the stairs were left with no option but to remain at home, missing appointments and losing the ability to take out trash or grocery shop. Many of the residents that contacted Munroe’s office also expressed concern over the response time for emergency responders that would have not climbed the stairs when time matters most.
“These incidents showed how important elevators are to the everyday quality of life for residents of apartments and condos,” Munroe said. “This bill will help alleviate the problems of non-functioning elevations and the effects it has on the lives of our residents, particularly those with mobility issues.”
House Bill 1761 is under consideration in the House Housing & Community Development Committee.
Munroe represents the 144th Legislative District comprised of Ivyland, Warmister, Warrington and part of New Britain Township.