More than 130 tenants living in two rent-regulated Brooklyn apartment complexes demanded the state stop their landlord from installing facial recognition entry systems in their buildings Wednesday, arguing the move would create profound privacy concerns.
In their legal opposition filed with the state Department of Homes and Community Renewal, the tenants claim facial recognition technology “has no place in their buildings, nor in any rent regulated apartment in New York.”
Landlord Robert Nelson, who controls the Atlantic Plaza Towers and another building on Thomas S. Boyland St. in Brownsville, is behind the push to install the software systems. He became the landlord at Atlantic Plaza in 2009. In 2016, the building became rent-stabilized.
Tenants protesting his efforts Wednesday outside the Queens DHCR offices said there’s no need for the technology in their buildings because there’s enough security as it is, including guards, key fobs and cameras. They contend the system is not accurate when it comes to tracking people of color and could lock people out of their homes.
“We should not have to use our face to get in our place of residence,” said Icemae Downes, who has lived in Atlantic Plaza for 51 years. “We have enough security.”
Samar Katnani, one of the Brooklyn Legal Services’ lawyers representing the 134 tenants, described the technology as “untested” and “unprecedented” for a residential building. She said installing the system would be a violation of rent-stabilization laws.
“Biometric data is unique, personal identifying information and the landlord is acting to collect it without consent,” she said. “The landlord has not provided sufficient information regarding the accuracy and bias of this system, and yet, he wants to deploy it on this community of black and brown tenants, mostly women and elderly in the gentrifying area of Brownsville, Brooklyn.”
Nelson requested DHCR allow him to install the technology last year, but did not immediately reveal his plans to tenants, who found out through a notice sent from the state.
Nelson Management Group spokesman Chris Santarelli noted the landlord has yet to install a facial recognition system, but that it has “engaged a leading provider of security technology” for proposed change.
“Nelson Management Group prioritizes identifying and implementing cutting edge technology at all our properties to create a safer environment for tenants and provide the highest-quality housing in the rent-stabilized market,” he said. “The sole goal of implementing this technology is to advance that priority and support the safety and security of residents.”
