Diane Kittower

Under Lock and Key

by Diane Kittower

Biometrics, formerly available only in spy movies, has moved into multifamily housing. Residents of one Archstone-Smith property in New York must have their palm print accepted by an electronic reader to get into the fitness center. But that's unusual for the Englewood, Colo.-based company—and most other apartment firms. Residents typically use a key fob—a magnetic strip attached to a key chain—and access cards, says Heather Campbell, vice president, corporate communications.