March 16th, 2007
Housing federation holds security seminar Feb. 27 in Brooklyn - Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives and Condominiums
The Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives and Condominiums (Federation) sponsored a seminar on the latest innovations in security strategy and implementation affecting the cooperative and condominium community on Feb.27 at the New York Marriott Brooklyn, announces Gregory J. Carlson, executive director.
Albert F. Pennisi, Federation president and senior partner at Pennisi Daniels & Norelli, LLP moderated a stellar panel of experts including Howard Schechter, partner in the law firm Schechter & Brucker, PC; Alan Bender, courtesy of Lockman Security Systems; Bob DiMartini, Secure Resources and Communications; Gus Dibiasi, Impact Real Estate Management and Glen Kotowski, general manager at North Shore Towers, a Charles E Greenthal property.
Dozens of concerned board members and residents from multi-family cooperatives and condominiums attended the seminar despite predictions of a threatening snowstorm, underscoring just how important security is to those that attended. The constant theme, stressed by all the speakers was be prepared, be observant and be waxy of suspicious activities and packages.
Bender, a systems specialist from Lockman Security Systems, explained that an all-inclusive, effective electronic security system is comprised of three parts: locks, CCTV (closed-circuit television) and alarms. He advised, as budgeting allows, buildings may install one, two or all three of these security devices as finances permit.
Dibiasi, vice president of operations for Impact Real Estate Management Corp, described basic preventive security measures that should be in place in every multi-family building. These protocols include: alarm all basement, side and roof doors; keep buildings and pathways properly lit; keep shrubbery trimmed so that intruders cannot use it as camouflage; program elevators not to access basement levels during off hours; create a policy that all package and delivery services not be allowed past the doorman or lobby area; guests must be identified by the resident they are visiting, and do a criminal background check on all new residents and employees.
DiMartini, chief security officer for Secure Resources and Communications, LLC, a retired detective and the most decorated officer in the history of the New York Police Department, described what to look for when interviewing a security company. He advised to check a firm’s client list and get recommendations, make sure the company and its employees are New York State-certified, do a thorough criminal background check on the owners and every security officer that works on your property
Kotowski, a retired deputy inspector who spent 22 years with the NYPD and is now manager of the luxury cooperative North Shore Towers, warned of the delicate balance between implementing security procedures and offending or impinging on the rights and freedoms of residents. He recommended communicating with residents and encouraging them to be alert and observant.
Schechter, a senior partner with the law firm Schechter & Brucker, PC, is well-versed in the issues affecting cooperatives and condominiums. He warned that to deny a prospective buyer of an apartment based on discrimination is in violation of the law.