BHA Outlines $20 Million in Elevator Projects for Public Housing Residents

BOSTON — June 25, 2025 — Boston Housing Authority officials briefed the Disability Commission Advisory Board on a more than $20 million portfolio of elevator repair and modernization projects serving residents with disabilities. David Gleisch, a BHA facilities official, told the board the authority manages 104 elevator cabs across properties housing roughly 5,400 residents with disabilities but receives only about $30 million annually against $1.5 billion in capital needs. Active projects include a $7 million Ruth Barkley high-rise modernization, a $6.9 million redundancy upgrade at Commonwealth in Brighton, and a $5.4 million overhaul at Villa Unidad in the South End. Gleisch committed on the spot to post elevator-down protocol notices at all cab locations after board Vice Chair Olivia Richard flagged that residents at her building were unaware of their options. Commissioner Krista McCosh separately reported that the city's legal department advised board members — as special employees appointed by Mayor Wu — not to participate in mayoral candidate questionnaires, effectively closing that agenda item, and she urged all members to mobilize turnout for the ADA 35 rally set for July 23 at City Hall Plaza, with a march to Boston Common.