New Elevator Lift Installed At Oxford Senior Housing Complex

Submitted by the Office of the Oxford First Selectman:

OXFORD, CT – First Selectman George R. Temple took a test ride this week in the new elevator lift at the Crestview Ridge housing complex. The new lift replaced one that was old and constantly breaking down. Seniors and the disabled now have a way to go from floor to floor when they are unable to climb on their own, said Temple. “We are really pleased with the new elevator,’’ he said.

The new lift was made possible by a $30,000 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation (administered through the Bank of America) to the Oxford Housing Authority which runs the 34-unit housing complex. The Oxford Housing Authority was recently given permission by the Oxford Building inspector and Fire Marshal to begin full operation of the elevator.

Selectman Kathy Johnson said that now there is new elevator residents should not have to worry about it breaking down like the one that was there previously.

The complex also received a $7,275 grant from America the Beautiful (funded by the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection’s forestry division) to replace trees around the perimeter of the complex. A total of 12 Birch and flowering Dogwoods have been planted.

Kevin Brown, the Oxford Housing Authority’s property manager supervised both projects to completion and provided information required for the submission of the grants by the town’s grant writer Kathleen O’Neil.

Temple expressed great satisfaction with both projects. “The elevator and new trees will provide by safety and beauty for our seniors and disabled,’’ he said.

(Contributed photo: Oxford Selectman Kathy Johnson left and Oxford First Selectman George R. Temple right test out the new elevator at the Crestview Ridge housing complex this week. The new lift was paid for through a $30,000 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation)