Saugerties adopts local law to require Knox Boxes at commercial and multifamily buildings

The Saugerties Town Board voted to adopt a local law requiring Knox Boxes to be installed and maintained at commercial, non‑residential and multifamily buildings, following a public hearing and public comments from emergency services.

Raymond Leon Jr., chief of the Glasgow Fire District, told the board that Knox Boxes are “a secure wall‑mounted box that allows the fire department to have access inside the structure” and said Glasgow already uses the system on about 15 commercial buildings. He said the boxes are keyed to each local department so only authorized responders can open them.

Board members questioned how the system would operate when a responding company from another district arrives first, and Leon said the boxes remain keyed to the home department and would be opened only by a designated representative from that department. He also told the board that the boxes typically cost in the range of about $200–$300 and that a multiunit building would use a single box with multiple keys for each unit.

Supporters at the public hearing said the measure would reduce forced entries, speed life‑saving responses and limit collateral property damage in cases such as medical emergencies or false alarms. The board cited those benefits during a short discussion before calling for a vote.

The board’s motion to adopt Local Law No. 2 of 2026 was moved and seconded, and the majority voted in favor, carrying the ordinance. The law will be incorporated into town fire‑safety protocols; the town indicated permit and compliance details and any phased implementation will be handled by the building and fire departments.

The board also approved related administrative items at the same meeting, including additions to inspection rosters and other routine personnel and procurement measures.