Landlord Can Replace Lobby Attendant with Electronic Security System

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to eliminate 17 hours a day of lobby attendant service at one entrance of the building, in exchange for which landlord would install an audiovisual intercom system that would connect each tenant to both entrances of the building. In addition, landlord said it would install 37 security cameras covering common areas, both entrances to the building, and the immediate exterior of the building. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenants appealed and lost. Tenants claimed that removing the lobby attendant wouldn't improve security and would cause other problems at the building. Landlord argued that the lobby attendant didn't perform any substantial security functions, that there was only one employee at one of the two building entrances and that the new AV system would monitor both entrances. The DHCR found that the proposed substituted services were a sufficient replacement for 17 hours a day of lost lobby attendant service. Notably, over 120 tenants had agreed in writing to the landlord's application.

1777 Grand Concourse: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. AP610031RT (1/24/13) [3-pg. doc.]