XChange Complex Plans To Eliminate Most Overnight Concierges

SECAUCUS, NJ — The developer that owns XChange announced it will eliminate its 24/7 overnight concierge service in all but two of its buildings.

XChange announced late Wednesday afternoon in an email to all residents that XChange will no longer have concierge or doorman security service at most entrances from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

However, a concierge sent Patch a shift sign-up sheet that shows — starting June 1 — concierge service will be eliminated in some buildings starting at 4 p.m. each day, and not resuming until 8 a.m. the next morning.

Concierges will only remain during the overnight hours in two main lobbies: The main lobby entrance where the pool and lounge is located, and the other main lobby entrance on the other side of the complex.

"As you may have heard, we have been considering some small changes to our staffing," wrote XChange. "While the main lobbies in the 4000/6000 and 5000 buildings will continue to have a manned concierge desk on a 24/7 basis, the other smaller and less utilized lobbies will transition to a virtual concierge between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7 a.m."

It is a decision by the landlord that has some XChange residents fuming.

One tenant, who pays $3,200 a month for a two-bedroom apartment, spoke on background to Patch. He estimated there are about 8-10 other entrances that will now be unstaffed during the overnight. This comes after XChange marketed itself for years as luxury apartments with 24/7 doormen and concierge service.

"First of all, we are very concerned about security. Once they are gone, anyone can enter our buildings at any time. It happens all the time: All someone has to do is follow me, with a key card, in through the door. I am not going to turn around and stop that person and ask if they live there or ask that they show me a key card. It's not my job and nobody is going to do that."

Another concern is package theft.

"Amazon delivers packages all night long. Packages come in the middle of the night and the concierge receives them and stores them in a safe area. We've had packages stolen that have been just left in the hallway, so absolutely package theft happens here."

XChange is owned by a private developer, Atlantic Realty Development Corporation (ARDC), with headquarters in Woodbridge. Its principle owner is Sam Halpern. They market apartments they own under this website: https://bestrentnj.com/

"Tenants should not anticipate any disruption in services because of this change as the combination of virtual concierge in the smaller lobbies and manned concierge in the main lobby areas will continue to enable tenants to have access to the same amenities they have always enjoyed," said Matt Olmsted, XChange's property manager.

XChange says they will have "virtual concierge" at the un-staffed entrances (meaning they are installing cameras) and that packages will still be delivered to a "Package Room," which is monitored with CCTV. They also said they are increasing the number of security guards who drive around and monitor the community at night.

The concierges are all members of 32BJ SEIU, New York's service workers union. XChange concierges said they were too nervous to speak on the record for this article.

32BJ SEIU NJ state director Kevin Brown said it appears "Atlantic Realty, the owner of XChange, has pulled back on its plans to fire workers or reduce their hours. All the workers who quit because of the threatened cut in hours are being offered reinstatement to their jobs."

However, he also said: "We call on Atlantic Realty to continue to provide the concierge service that the residents are paying for. We also call on Planned to pay workers a living wage and to finally provide affordable, quality health insurance. There is no excuse for what these workers have had to go through. Atlantic and Planned have to respect the livelihoods of decent, hard-working people.”

Last March, XChange's workers protested outside the luxury complex, saying their starting salary of $13.25 per hour is among the lowest in the state. Rent at XChange starts in the mid-$2,000s for a studio. At the time, the majority of them also did not get health insurance from the job, expanded paid sick leave or paid time off, according to a spokeswoman for 32BJ SEIU.

"I am just as concerned about seeing them lose their jobs as I am about our safety," said the resident.

There are 1,538 apartments in XChange and the developer is currently building a second 25-story tower, "Waterside," that will house thousands more people. It is supposed to start renting in 2024.

XChange in the news: XChange Secaucus Workers Say $13.25/Hour Is Not A Livable Wage (March 2022)

Major Heroin Dealer Kept Secaucus Stash House at Xchange, AG Says (March 2019)