Landlord Can Replace Elevator Operators with Doorman and Closed-Circuit TV

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to replace elevator operators with a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week doorman in the building vestibule, along with installation of a closed-circuit television monitoring system with cameras in the elevators, lobby, basement service entrance, and laundry room. The cameras would be monitored at the doorman station, which would also have a two-way intercom with the elevators and the apartments. Mailboxes also would be installed in the main lobby, and the elevators would operate automatically. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenants appealed and lost. Landlord's proposed modification of building services wouldn't cause any reduction in building security or ancillary services. The doorman would accept small packages for tenants at the front desk, a service that the elevator operators had previously performed.

697 West End Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. UJ430059RT (4/20/07) [4-pg. doc.]