New gate access system explained

Tighter security controls and more efficient access are among many benefits

A new gate access system is coming to Leisure World Seal Beach. After months of evaluation by GRF staff and the Security Bus and Traffic Committee, the GRF Board recently approved a comprehensive proposal that provides tighter controls and more efficient access at all three community entrances.

Thenewvisitormanagementsoftware includes:

• 10 License Plate Readers (LPR) to capture vehicle plates at the entry and exit lanes.

• Three resident entry lanes with “red/green” traffic signals for security officer use.

• Four barrier gates: two at the Main Gate and one each at the North Gate and St. Andrews Gate.

• Three guard station computers/ kiosks at each vehicle entry point (one kiosk at each gate).

• RFID tags for residents, staff and contractors. The tags will be will be used to electronically identify residents and employees as they enter through any gate.

• Electronic links that can cancel a vehicle’s access in seconds, creating tighter control when residents move out or want to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the community.

Residents will still be able to call in visitors, but the system will also allow them to register visitors online with their own customized logins and passwords.

Residents will then have the ability to email or text guest passes to their visitors. Those passes can be printed or saved on a smart phone and then scanned for expedited entry.

Of particular note, visitors will be able to access all three gates. As of now, visitors can only come through the congested Main Gate, with traffic often backing up onto Seal Beach Boulevard.

GRF has ordered 15,000 RFID windshield tags, which will be applied to the lower driver’s side front windshield or headlight. The RFID tags are read by long-range readers, which will be installed at strategic locations at all three gates.

The project is now being implemented with a full rollout of the system tentatively planned for late summer, Executive Director Jessica Sedgwick told the audience at the Feb. 15 Security Town Hall meeting.

“We have, among all department heads, implemented a project management tool, Monday.com, to track all our big projects. Currently, we are fully fleshing out this project. This will be a phased program, starting with building a database, getting RFID cards, installing cameras and barrier arms and testing with staff vehicles,” among other tasks, she said.

There is a project page under the “GRF” tab at lwsb.com that will include updates, including the PowerPoint presented at the Jan. 24 GRF Board meeting and a video of the Feb. 15 Security Town Hall.

“This page will be updated so all residents can see where we are in the project and how it’s coming along,” Sedgwick said, to the applause of the audience.

There will also be in-person opportunities to learn about the system at town halls and information sessions. The planned events will explain the new visitor authorization process, including how residents can generate passes for their own guests.

The system, which will cost about $1,600 a month in operating expense and about $400,000 to install, is a significant addition to Leisure World’s infrastructure and will provide verified authentication of vehicles at all three entrances.

The gate access process will be managed by CG Systems, a 40-year veteran in the gate-andentry industry. CG was one of the bidders in earlier calls for proposals, but lost out to the current gate access company, which was less expensive but failed to meet community needs.

When the new system launches, there will be RFID tag distribution events to affix tags to LW vehicles. When a vehicle’s RFID tag is read in the residents’ lane at the Main Gate, the North Gate or St. Andrews Gate, a green light will flash and the barrier arm will rise, allowing the vehicle into LW.

A red light indicates that access is denied and follow up is required at the Security Office.

There will be a Security officer assigned to entry lanes at each gate to address any issues. For example, if the barrier malfunctions, a red light will immediately alert the Security officer.

Security Director Victor Rocha praised the system for its ability to help officers prevent unauthorized access to LW.

“I want to know who is in here,” he said to audience approval. I want safety, you want safety. This will make this place more secure.”

“We are excited to move forward with this new system,” said Executive Director Sedgwick. “It’s a continuation of our goal to make the community safer.”

—Ruth Osborn

Recreation Manager Thomas Fileto works the cameras at the town hall Feb. 15. The event was livestreamed and is available for viewing at lwsb.com .