2 Elevators Needed For New Apartments, Condos: Munroe

WARMINSTER, PA —All new apartment buildings and condominiums in the township would have two elevators under legislation introduced by State Rep. Brian Munroe.

Munroe, a former township supervisor, said the legislation was spurred by two separate multi-story dwellings in his district that had prolonged incidents involving broken elevators.

Munroe, D-Bucks, announced he is drafting legislation that would require all new apartment buildings and condominiums with two or more floors to have at least two elevators.

In 2022, Centennial Station, located in Warminster Township, shut down the only elevators in six of its 10 buildings for repairs.

\Centennial Station has more than 400 condominiums and many of its elderly residents were unable to navigate the stairs, Munroe said.

Earlier this year, Park Place, a 55 and older community located in Warminster Township, was struck by lightning during one of the summer storms, which resulted in the only elevator in the building to stop working for more than seven weeks.

Much like the Centennial Station situation, residents unable to use the stairs were left with no option but to remain at home, missing appointments and losing the ability to take out trash or grocery shop.

“Many residents felt unsafe during the extended periods without a functioning elevator,” Munroe said. “If there was a medical emergency, it would take our first responders significantly longer to reach the individual in distress having to carry their equipment up the stairs.”

The bill, which is currently being circulated for co-sponsors, would affect only new apartment buildings or condominiums with two stories or more. Current buildings would be exempt.