Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses 

We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses in the Bronx, who works on one of two teams of elevator mechanics at the development. A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Mr. Curry started working at NYCHA as an elevator mechanic helper and has served as a mechanic for six years.   

According to Richard Solivan, Director of the Elevator Services and Repair Department, “Matt is a conscientious employee who continues to demonstrate consistent quality work ethics, while maintaining the agency’s standards and mission. He has a positive attitude and is always emphasizing ‘safety first’ to himself, colleagues, and residents alike.” 

“I’ve always liked working with my hands and always liked looking at a tough job, being able to step back and see the end result of a hard day’s work,” Mr. Curry said. 

“Safety and communication are key, and the men and women that we work with at NYCHA elevators understand that.

“The most important thing is that you want to make sure the car is safe, including the operation of the door itself, how the elevator runs, and making sure it comes smoothly to a floor and level to a floor. I find that 90 percent of the problems can come down to a door problem, so you always want to make sure that the doors open smoothly and open up all the way, and close smoothly and close all the way. 

“What I enjoy is coming in and fixing an elevator, and knowing that when you’re walking out of the elevator, the residents now have a safe elevator so they can go about their day. It’s a good feeling when there’s a really tricky challenge and after you worked on it for a few hours, you finally got it to where the elevator is running nicely.”