Newark joins list of cities requiring 24 hr armed security at apartment complexes
NEWARK, NJ Aug 25 2021— A new local ordinance in Newark will address a common complaint in the city, a councilwoman says: a lack of security guards at apartment buildings.
The Newark City Council unanimously passed a change to the city code on second reading last week, which will require all owners and developers of housing buildings to have at least one security guard present for every 150 residential units.
The new rule applies to both public and private housing, according to a statement from Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, who introduced the ordinance.
McIver said:
“What this means for owners of all public and private housing buildings in the City of Newark, considered as one development, building, and/or complex is required to have at least one security guard present for 24 hours of each day of the week, consisting of one armed security guard for eight hours per day and one unarmed security guard for the remaining 16 hours per day, for every 150 residential units in said housing development, building, and/or complex (i.e. for 300 residential units, two armed security guards shall be provided for eight hours and two unarmed security guards for the remaining 16 hours per day, during each day of the year).”
“Residents of large complexes current and those to be built, will now have the proper amount of security needed and this will provide the extra safety and peace of mind residents have been asking for,” McIver said.
“The hope is that having the necessary amount of security guards will deter crime in and around properties,” the councilwoman said.
“I am also proud of the additional amendment added, which will allow the court’s discretion and take into consideration the public safety director’s recommendations in making decisions to enhance safety measures where there has been a history of safety concerns within a particular housing development, building and/or complex,” McIver said.
The new ordinance is expected to be a big win for people who live in large apartment buildings throughout Newark, according to the Colonnade Residents Coalition, which posted a video on social media in its support.
