Parkchester South Condominium | Bronx, New York
New Access Key Fob
ComKey Fob
New Access Key Reader and Access Key Fob
Access Key Conversions and Key Fob Distributions: E1 14 Metropolitan Oval
Future Conversions and Access Key Distributions To Be Announced |
Residential Building Key Conversion
Parkchester South Condominium is in the process of converting the residential building keys from the ComKey system to the new Access Key system. Both keys work similarly in that the key fob contains a coded personal identification number (PIN) assigned to a resident with authorized access to that building which when placed in contact with a door reader causes the door to unlock. The new Access Key has already been rolled out in the W5 cluster on Archer Road in the West and in the E1, E2, E5, E6, E8, E9, E10 and E11 in the East. We expect to have the remaining E7, E3 and E4 clusters in the East completed by the 1st quarter of 2010. Thereafter, we will return to the West to continuen conversions there. Once the West quadrant is complete we will begin conversions in the South quadrant. In order to make it as convenient for residents to exchange their ComKey fob for the new Access Key fob, the new key fob is distributed over the course of two to three nights in the lobbies of a building cluster. Staff are available to exchange key fobs and confirm that your new key fob works as expected. If there are any questions, computer workstations are available connected to our main servers and management software to quickly assist in obtaining a resolution We will post a schedule here on our website as to the dates we will be distributing the new key fobs as well as post notices in the building and under the door of each apartment just before each building's rollout. Since we have already have experience in distributing the new key fobs, we know that residents and unit owners, in particular, may have some question as to reasons for the key conversions so we have listed here the most frequently asked questions along with our answers: Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who can get the new Access Key? A. Only registered tenants and unit owners that have previously received a ComKey. Q. What will be my cost for the new key fob? A. There is no additional cost to receive the new Access Key fob. If you already paid for and received a ComKey fob, you will receive the new Access Key fob at nocost during the transition period. Notices will be posted in each building announcing when the Comkey will be removed from service and when the key exchange will end. Q. Can I get additional keys when your staff issue key fobs in the lobby? A. No. We considered this as we realize it would be a great convenience to our residents, but for security reasons we will not have the original key forms on site with us to add additional residents and our on site staff will not be in a position to accept cash or money orders or process credit card payments for additional key fobs. Q. How do I obtain a key fob if I'm not available during your distribution times in my building lobby? A. Undistributed key fobs will be available in our service department at 2000 East Tremont Avenue for at least 30 days after distribution in the building lobby. You may pick up your key fob during business hours or at other times by appointment. Q. What period of time will the old ComKey system function after you have distributed the Access Key fobs in my building? A. The ComKey system will be kept "live" for at least 30 days after the final day of key fob distribution in your lobby. Q. What will I need to do to obtain the new Access Key fob? A. Show photo identification, sign for the new key fob and return your ComKey fob. Each individual to be issued a new key will need to show photo identification and have previously signed the Key Card form at our administrative office. We will have copies of the original form and the signatures should match. Children under the age of 18 (but at least 13) may obtain a key without their parent or guardian present if they have photo identification and they have previously signed for their key. If a child under 18 does not have photo identification, then their parent or guardian who is a registered tenant in the apartment and/or the unit owner, any of whom must have photo identification, must be present and verify the identify of the child. Q. What are acceptable forms of photo identification? A. Typically, the identification you used at the time of apartment registration will be sufficient. This was most likely a driver's license, state-issued photo identification or a passport. In the case of a child 13 or older, a school issued photo identification card (or see answer above). Q. Why are you converting to a new Building Key System? A. The ComKey System was a proprietary system built using older technology and with parts no longer available. As we install the new Access Key system we uninstall the ComKey system and retain all of the electronic boards and chipsets as spares for those ComKey systems still in place. This method has given some extended life to the ComKey system and permitted us to gradually spread the rollout of the new system over a number of years rather than having to budget for the expense of a complete conversion all at once. Additionally, the ComKey system is very labor intensive and inefficient to manage and does not support network data transmission. Q. Are there any advantages to the new Building Key System? A. Definitely. Over the last five years the Condominium has completely retrofitted a property built in 1939 with 21st century technology. Over 40,000 feet of fiber optic cable and over 300,000 feet of category 5e and 6 data cable has been installed throughout every cluster and building as well as our administrative office. This fiber optic cable with multiple 10 gigabit backbones and over 80 network switches is connected to 14 file servers in our data center at 2000 East Tremont Avenue performing a variety of functions that were once performed manually or not at all. The ComKey system with its older technology does not support Ethernet or TCP/IP systems over a Local Area Network. Key information must be loaded onto a special device at our administrative office and hand carried by an employee to the building where it is downloaded to the building controller. As new residents require keys or residents lose their existing keys, this process must be repeated daily requiring manpower that is not necessary with the new Access Key system. Access Key runs on a Windows Server 2003 (or 2008) file server and has client-server architecture. Multiple clients, that is, staff can be connected at their computer workstations to the system and manage new and lost keys. Each building's controllers and individual door key fob readers can be monitored for problems or anomalies. Problems can also be detected with each key fob. A key that is reported lost or stolen can be deleted immediately. Authorized key use and unauthorized door openings can be monitored in conjunction with our video surveillance system for the increased security and safety of our residents. Incidentally, this new LAN technology has also permitted us to install over 300 video surveillance cameras recording 24/7 and centrally monitored. We have converted our older heat control systems to new systems that can be controlled remotely rather than requiring a mechanic to open and close valves. We have also created efficiencies and cut expenses by managing our internal telephone and computer systems in our remote offices. Q. Who do I contact if I have questions or would like more information regarding the new Access Key system? A. You may contact Andre Butler, Director of Human Resources and Information Technology, by email at abutler@parkchester.org.
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