Tenants in University Heights say they have been living with a broken elevator for over a month.
Milagros Ayala, a tenant on the third floor, told News 12 on Sunday, the issue has stopped her from living an independent life at 111 West 183rd St.
"It hurts a lot when I have to go down the steps," Ayala said.
She has lived at the building for 16 years. Ayala said even living with a disability that is affecting her walking and right arm, she found a way to live her own life. Now, with the elevator only stopping on the second floor, it has forced Ayala to be reminded of the things she can no longer do.
"When I come home, my legs hurt, I can't even get up out of bed sometimes from the pain," she said.
A sign taped to the elevator door alerts tenants to call 311. Someone wrote on the sign, "I call everyday."
Ayala said the broken elevator has delayed the delivery of her electric wheelchair and made her rely on extra help to get up and down the stairs.
"I grab onto the handles and wait for someone to do me the favor of helping me up, sometimes I even have to pay them," she said.
News 12 reached out to New York City's Housing Department but had not heard back as of Sunday night.