Residents, elected officials hope to douse high rise sprinkler mandate
Park Tower building. Credit: Jeremy Bressman
Physical and virtual rooms were packed last night, as elected officials hosted a Town Hall Meeting regarding the proposed changes to the application of the fire code in the City of Chicago. (For our recent write-up of the proposed changes, click here) Residents came out in droves to the meeting that was held at Loyola University as well as online via YouTube, Google Hangout and Twitter, to express their opposition to the fire code changes - particularly the mandate that would require all high rise buildings to install sprinkler systems. The elected and City officials, however, did not disagree – they made it very clear early on that they stand with the residents against Illinois State Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis’ plan.
State Representative Kelly Cassidy (14th), who took the lead in organizing and hosting the meeting, started off by saying that she had received so much contact from her constituents on this issue in only two short weeks that it was second only to marriage equality. Alderman James Cappleman, of the 46th Ward, agreed – stating he is not traditionally a “one issue Alderman,” but that for this issue, he would be. Cappleman has over 60 high rises in his ward and has also heard loud opposition from them regarding the sprinkler mandate. State Representative Greg Harris (13th), who is also a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), commented that he has had people come to his office and break down in tears in response to what the financial burden could mean to them. Residents seemed encouraged that their elected officials were behind them.
Perhaps the loudest applause came after Senator Heather Steans read this letter, from Senate President John Cullerton, who demanded that Matkaitis withdraw the mandate for sprinkler systems. Matkaitis himself was not present, as he is currently on vacation (he’s only vacation of the year, apparently), however his office sent a representative, Ken Wood, to speak on their behalf. Wood acknowledged he was likely the most hated person in the building, but urged the audience to hear their side. It didn’t appear to be convincing to the large crowd, or followers online.
“I feel safe living in a high rise without sprinklers,” Gerald Heller commented on Facebook. ”Being retired on a fixed income I would have no way of paying for any type sprinklers.”
According to Representative Cassidy’s office, well over 200 people showed up in person to the meeting and two over flow rooms had to be used. It is believed that another 280 people watched online, though that number is likely much higher as many larger buildings set up “viewing rooms” and watched as a group. If you missed it, Cassidy’s office has put the meeting online here.
In addition, another meeting on the same topic was held downtown at Roosevelt university, and CBS Chicago covered the story here.
