MISSOURI CITY, Texas – As elevator outages at a Missouri City senior living apartment complex stretch into their seventh week, a growing exchange between elected officials and property management heats up.
On Wednesday June 18, Asset Living, the third-party management company for Jubilee at Texas Parkway, sent a letter to Congressman Al Green declining a meeting request centering on the ongoing safety and maintenance concerns at the property.
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Later, Green responded with a strongly worded letter reiterating his expectation that the company and property owners attend a scheduled meeting this Friday, June 20.
Green’s response cites “significant questions left unanswered” and urges Asset Living to open its office for a 2:30 p.m. meeting with local officials, residents, and the public.
“It is crucial to open a dialogue to ensure transparency for the public, as you are the beneficiary of public dollars,” the Congressman wrote in the letter shared with KPRC 2.
The four-story Jubilee complex, which houses many seniors and tenants with disabilities, has been without working elevators since early May. The outages have left some residents feel stranded in their apartments, while others are forced to take multiple flights of stairs for daily activities and medical appointments.
“It’s very hard for me to get through my cancer treatments and walk up the stairs to my floor,” said Alice Blueitt, who is undergoing treatment for chronic leukemia. “I have to stop in the middle of the stairwell and catch my breath.”
In its letter to Green’s office, Asset Living outlined a repair timeline dating back to May 5, when the first elevator broke. The company said repair efforts have been delayed by “many factors and parties outside of [Asset Living’s] control.”
While acknowledging the impact on residents, Asset Living noted it does not own the property and that its “efforts are limited” by ownership decisions.
KPRC 2 has repeatedly reached out to the owners, Gardner Capital Development, but hasn’t received a comment.
KPRC 2 was the only news outlet at the facility when Congressman Green, Missouri City Councilmember Jeffrey Boney, and Mayor Robin Elackett toured the property. The elected officials called the conditions unacceptable for any housing complex particularly one subsidized by public funds. In his letter, Green stated that failure to engage with residents and officials could prompt additional scrutiny from media and regulators.
“If you are unavailable for a meeting, we will be compelled to continue to escalate this matter to relevant authorities,” Green wrote.
In the company’s letter they tell the congressman they are committed to resolving the matter.
“We are committed to continuing transparent communication, delivering resident support, and working in partnership with all stakeholders — including your office — to ensure a prompt resolution,” an official with Asset Living wrote to Green’s office.
Missouri City officials have issued multiple code violations and daily fines, up to $500 per day, dealing with the elevator outage.
Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has opened an enforcement case in response to resident complaints.
Asset Living company says it is working with Elevators of Beaumont to install a new system and accompanying cable, depending on when they receive the parts.
In the meantime, many residents continue to live in limbo.
“We need some physical action,” said Carolyn Harrison, a fourth-floor tenant. “Lay your hands on this elevator and make it work. That’s what we need.”
