Residents of Portside Towers voiced urgent concerns regarding safety violations at a recent city council meeting, highlighting a troubling lack of mandated security measures. Speakers detailed a series of incidents, including a recent attack on a woman who sought refuge in the building, underscoring the risks posed by the absence of uniform security personnel as required by municipal code.

The council was reminded that Ordinance 24-055, approved five months ago, aimed to enhance security protocols for multiple dwellings, yet enforcement has been lacking. Residents reported that Portside Towers has been in violation of municipal security codes since August 2015, with an alarming tally of approximately 10,000 violations. This has raised questions about the accountability of the city's code compliance department and the management of Equity Residential, the property owner.

One resident recounted witnessing a bloodied woman fleeing an attacker, only to find the lobby unsecured and staff overwhelmed. Another speaker criticized Equity Residential for receiving a prestigious award for sustainability while neglecting basic safety obligations, calling for the council to take action against the company’s ongoing violations.

The speakers urged the council to enforce existing ordinances, emphasizing that the safety of residents should not be compromised. They called for immediate action to ensure compliance with security requirements, warning that failure to do so could lead to further tragedies. The meeting concluded with a plea for the council to address these life-threatening issues without delay.