One problem fixed, one still remains at NL condo complex

Elevator up and running again at Farmington Arms, but aftermath of fire troubling residents

New London — The good news is the elevator is fixed.

Residents of a 74-unit condominium complex at 70 Farmington Ave., some of whom are elderly or disabled, had been complaining about the out-of-service elevator since December. A part was located for the aging elevator and condo association board member Mathew Greene said the elevator was back up and running sometime last week.

That was one problem solved. Some residents still have complaints about the lack of information from the board throughout the elevator issue and in the aftermath of a Feb. 11 fire at the Farmington Arms complex. While firefighters stopped the blaze from spreading, numerous apartments from the top floor to the ground level sustained varying degrees of water damage.

City Building Department records show 12 units, from the top floor to the ground level, were condemned after the fire because of water damage to electrical components. Some electrical work has been completed but records show the condemnation order has yet to be lifted from eight of those units. The reason is not clear.

Temporary roof repairs also were completed and broken windows boarded up to prevent water from getting into the building.

The Red Cross was on scene the day of the fire and provided emergency supplies and helped a handful of residents find a place to stay. Red Cross Director of Emergency Services Sue Rochester Bolen said volunteers also ensured the displaced residents had the resources to seek more long-term accommodations. The Red Cross does not provide longterm housing.

Resident Arie Havasov said the smell of smoke persists on the third floor, portions of carpets were removed on each floor and large fans operate on the hallways to help clear out the smell and moisture.

“My greatest concern is that, along with the many other failing components in the building, this fire was a result of an electric malfunction, rather than resident negligence or an accident,” Havasov said.

The cause of the fire, which started in unit 4M, remains under investigation, Fire Marshal Vernon Skau said.

Havasov, in an email, said he remains frustrated by what he perceives as a dearth of information coming from the board and lack of a forum for owners to voice their opinion that the 55-year-old elevator should be replaced.

Northeast Property Group, the property managers of the complex, did not return calls seeking comment for this report.

Greene credited Northeast Properties for finding a company to get a part and complete the elevator repairs faster than expected.

“The elevator is back up. Now we have to look at making a decision about a long-term fix,” Greene said.

Part of the problem Greene foresees is that if the association agrees to purchase and install a new elevator, the installation could take several months.

“They’ve already been without an elevator for some time and we don’t want to give them that additional inconvenience,” Greene said.