AMHERST — The Bangs Community Center elevator is operational once again after being repaired and passing inspection Monday.
The elevator has been out of service since it sustained a damaged hydraulic jack during a state-mandated inspection in September.
Monday’s reopening means the timeline set for the elevator’s repair was met. Town Facilities Director Ronald Bohonowicz said last month the lift could be operational by Thanksgiving.
Senior Center Nancy Pagano said senior citizens are appreciative that the elevator is in service. The uncertainty of when this would happen forced her to call off this year’s Thanksgiving meal at the Bangs, instead relying on volunteers to cook meals at their homes and then package these for deliveries to homebound seniors on the holiday.
The repairs come at a time when cold weather is setting in and some disabled individuals, and people with mobility challenges, would have been forced to trek around the perimeter of the Bangs to enter the building.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said he was unsure of the cost of repairs, though initial estimates pegged them at $65,000. The town is looking at whether insurance will cover this.
Bohonowicz has said he may seek money through the Joint Capital Planning Committee process to upgrade some of the outdated equipment for the elevator, which was installed in 1977.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
