Despite gloom, Video Doorman grows in the residential condo. and co-op market in New York

The Wall Street meltdown and the restricted credit and liquidity have negatively impacted the ability of developers to secure funds for new condominium developments and for buyers to secure funds to purchase condominiums. In the condominium and co-op market, prices have begun to fall in Manhattan but are still higher than last year according to an appraised survey from Prudential Douglas Elliman. Given these market conditions, developers are looking for opportunities to add value to the condominium and co-ops that are developed and offered for sale. And, buyers with good credit ratings are looking for buildings that offer both convenience and safety, Video Doorman is a perfect added value technology to delivery both. Video Doorman Video Doorman from American Security Systems, Inc. provides a safe, secure package delivery and notification service for deliveries, plus, improved access and building security. Thanks to Video Doorman, tenants in non-doorman buildings can now receive FedEx, UPS and overnight mail packages, as well as, deliveries from local retailers. It functions like an actual doorman, but for about $1 a day. The Internet-based security and surveillance system uses state-of-the-art high-quality equipment to provide quality security, access control, video monitoring, recording and fewer package storage and notifications are all rolled into one system. How it works: When a courier presses the button on a Video Doorman intercom panel installed on the outside entry of your building the signal travels over a high-speed Internet connection to a 24-hour UL Certified Central Station. A trained Central Station operator views the courier, obtains tenant and delivery information and allows entry via remote access system. All activity is recorded... both audio and video. A series of cameras within the building supplied with speakers and microphones monitors the delivery's progress through the building while "escorting" the courier to a secured package room. The tenant is then notified and this same system can "escort" tenants to their units! It's easy to use... easy to install and low cost to operate. Video Doorman delivers the added convenience and safety new buyers are looking for in their condominiums and co-ops ... Developers are taking notice, especially in these market conditions. Larry Dolin is the president of American Security Systems, Long Island City, N.Y.