Business owners in Columbia, Lancaster County, are worried a new ordinance jeopardizes the safety of their buildings. The rule requires businesses and apartment complexes to have key lockboxes so emergency responders are able to enter a building.
Borough officials said there has been an increase in the use of fire alarm systems, causing more police officers and firefighters to have to respond to alarm calls.
The fire chief said business owners should buy a key box known as the Knox Box, which costs $300 to $700.
This has some people concerned about cost, liability and security.
"I hope council considers our freedoms, our rights, you know, to choose who has access to our building, when and how," said Kenna Soukup, of Soukup Automotive. "I hope that they want to work with the people of the town and not against us."