Eastfield Mall's security force going green

Date: 11/3/2008

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD In the fight against rising energy costs, Eastfield Mall has added a tool in their arsenal a three-wheel electric vehicle that can take the place of a gasoline-powered car use for security patrols.

Director of Security Clay Goodrow told Reminder Publications that adding the new vehicle saves the mall a lot on gasoline. He noted the two cars used to patrol the mall's parking lot used to use $500 to $600 a month in fuel. With the fuel prices of this year that figure has doubled.

Assistant General Manager Ellen Albano said the mall has historically looked for ways to control energy costs. It has worked with Northeast Utilities on electrical conservation and has changed all of the lighting it can to fluorescent from incandescent.

Goodrow said he has considered buying a Segway, the innovative electrical vehicle, but he was attracted to the three-wheeled T-3 because it offered the officers a padded floor on which to stand as well as a design that gives officers a little more protection from the elements than the Segway.

The mall's T-3 is used exclusively outside except when the mall is closed and the over-night security officer uses it inside, he added.

The T-3 cost $12,000, which included spare set of rechargeable batteries, and Goodrow predicted the vehicle would recoup its investment in as little as eight months.

At the end of its current leasing agreement for its two conventional cars, Goodrow said the mall intends only to retain one of the vehicles to save more money.

Demonstrating how it works, Security Officer Dave Wilson whipped around the parking lot with obvious enjoyment. He said he loves using it and said it allows greater interaction between the officers and the customers.

Goodwin noted the T-3 has been "a big hit with customers."

"They love it," he added.

Eastfield Mall is the first mall in the region with the T-3 and Albano said other mall developers are considering the vehicle.