Portside Towers residents demand enforcement of security ordinances from Jersey City Council

Concerns over safety and security at Portside Towers dominated the Jersey City Municipal Council meeting on May 21, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations over the lack of compliance with city ordinances requiring uniform security personnel. Councilman Daniel Rivera highlighted the troubling security breaches at the building, stating, "It's not fair for an entity to feel not secured," and emphasized the urgent need for action to protect residents.

Residents of Portside Towers, which houses over 400 units, have been advocating for the enforcement of an ordinance mandating at least one uniformed security guard on-site 24/7. Despite the clear legal requirements, many residents reported that no security personnel have been present in the building, raising alarms about their safety. One resident recounted a violent incident where an attacker chased a woman into the building, underscoring the dire need for security measures.

Tara Smythe, a former tenant, urged the council to establish a working group with residents and representatives from Equity Residential, the property management company, to develop a compliance plan. She called for a firm deadline for the implementation of security measures, stating, "Together, we can ensure that Portside Towers becomes a model for safety and compliance."

Other residents echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of enforcement of existing ordinances. They questioned the effectiveness of summonses issued to Equity Residential for non-compliance, asking, "What recourse remains when the laws are ignored and residents are left unprotected?"

The council's discussions revealed a growing concern about the enforcement of various city ordinances, with residents demanding accountability from both the council and property management. As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was palpable, with residents hoping that their voices would lead to tangible changes in their living conditions. The council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these pressing safety issues and restoring residents' confidence in their community's security.