Landlord Eliminated Elevator Operators

Landlord applied for permission to modify required building services. It asked to eliminate the position of elevator operator and to move that employee to a front desk area. Landlord claimed that this would improve security generally and that removal of the elevator operator wouldn't affect elevator service. The DRA ruled for landlord on the condition that the front desk be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that the front desk staff observe the front door, intercom and elevator, and that the elevator remain fully functional. Tenants appealed, arguing that there was less security with removal of the elevator operator, who used to escort tenants to their floors or the laundry room. Tenants said that the DHCR should have required the installation of closed-circuit television, security patrols, a new alarm and intercom system, and a package delivery room as conditions for the service modification. The DHCR ruled for tenants in part. Landlord must install a camera at the doors to the laundry and garage, and a telephone or intercom in the elevator so tenants can call the front desk.

190 Riverside Dr.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. LE430102RT (3/18/03) [4-pg. doc.]