Housing reinstalls North Avenue gates

As a result of a widespread request for added security at the North Avenue Apartments, in part after a student was held at knifepoint in an elevator, Housing has reinstalled turnstile gates in the front area where originally anyone could walk in and out freely. The turnstiles went up on Friday, Sept. 28.

"Students and parents emailed Housing and [people] higher up in the administration and requested that gates be put back in because they didn't feel secure... They felt that the area would be safer," said Tim Gallagher, RHA president.

No representatives from Housing were available for comment.

In order to pass through the turnstiles, a student must use his or her prox-card. This has the benefit of keeping out non-residents who have no legitimate reason to be in there, but the added hassle, particularly when carrying loads or having company over, has some students wondering whether it is worth it when the majority of residents had no issues with safety.

"I wish they could find a better way to do it. Overall, I don't like [the new gates]; it's a big inconvenience, and I have not felt unsafe here, just in my experience," said Chase Wright, a second-year Management major.

"To get in with any objects you have to go to the bus turn around... all the way around the other side of the building. We're working with [Housing] to figure out policies to make it a little less inconvenient," Gallagher said.

To other students, the new gates are a welcome and much-needed change.

"There's definitely been vandalism, and a couple times I've been a little scared that some sketchy people have been let in. I hope [this will reduce crime], but honestly, if they're getting in because they've got insider people, sometimes they'll find a way somehow. But at least this is helping somewhat," said Diana Kerckhof, a second-year Biomedical Engineering major.

The apartments, which were used by Georgia State University prior to this year, originally contained the turnstiles but were removed, apparently because Housing received recommendation that the area should be open like the rest of campus.

"Most of the feeling there is just frustration and confusion because they're not sure why they were [originally] taken down," Gallagher said.