New York, NY – A new law to phase out solid, roll-down security gates on storefronts goes into effect Friday.
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Queens Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. drafted the legislation that requires newly installed or replacement gates to allow for at least 70 percent visibility.
He said the new gates will improve safety conditions, allowing police officers or firefighters to clearly see into a location.
“First off, it opens up the appearances so people can shop even in the evening even after we are closed, and it just makes the neighborhood much more friendly,” said Arlin Owsley, general manager of Clear Wire.
“As you can see, it is often a canvas for graffiti,” said Vallone of older gates. “It is going to eliminate 75 percent of the graffiti in New York City, so those things are why the bill was passed, and it will really make a difference in the cityscape of the entire New York City.”
Store owners with existing solid gates do not have to replace them until 2026.
2026 ????
I think we should open a gate business now
So now businesses will need to lay people off to get themselves a new gate for no real reason. The reason is stupid. if a store has a brick wall front, do they now ned to break out down? Fire and police personnel can’t see through brick? Graffiti artists use brick walks all the time? Nothing like anti business liberal stupidity!!
“First off, it opens up the appearances so people can shop even in the evening even after we are closed”
How can you shop after it is closed?
This law is good for the glass companies !!!
You also need to open a glass business. When you get the spray painting, it will go on the gates and the glass. Some of that does not come off. Or these jokers will break windows!!
It will also provide a “ladder” for theives to climb up the gates…
These newer more open gates are easier for thieves to break through.
Happened in this neighborhood. The store owner had gates totally open. Thieves broke through. Then he put on the one partially open and they broke in again. So he went back to the other type.
Also to #2 and #3. Store with the old gates don’t have to remove that which they already have. The law applies to new gates.
I don’t understand why these New York stores need “gates” at all. I live in a major city and I’ve never seen retail stores with either “roll down” or wire gates. Why not simply put a good lock on the front door. Do you want to make people feel like they are in a prison ??
The law makers should just mind their own business and not try to impose their desires on the shop keepers. The police department should patrol more and keep grafitti artists and looters under control.
The posters here obviously have a much better grip on reality than the legislators that authored this piece of stipidity.