Debate over Victor Sprinklers Heats Up
By: Ashley Zilka
Updated: October 23, 2012
Firefighters say the Town of Victor took a step backward when it comes to safety.
The town says it needs to take another look at a whether a law requiring sprinkler systems in town homes is a good idea.
Victor town leaders apologized Monday night. They admit they made assumptions when they first passed a law concerning sprinkler systems in town homes. On Monday night, they voted to remove that code until a task force determines if it's needed or should be expanded.
Before Monday's vote, Victor required sprinkler systems in privately owned town homes of three units or more. Now the town will follow state regulations requiring sprinkler systems in only rental properties.
Town leaders aren't against sprinkler systems. In fact, a majority believe all town homes should have them.
"To me, myself, in the best case scenario, I think the state should buy into this. That's what I am hoping. We talk about cutting edge that's what I'm hoping arises from this task force," said Jack Marren, Victor Town Supervisor.
Morrell Builders asked for the change. They've got a big project in Victor right now.
"I think Victor rightly so was basically taking a step back and saying how do we do this properly and look at it in a comprehensive basis and basically make sure they are more in conformance with the New York State code, instead of standing on their own with a code that doesn't represent state building codes," said Jeff Morrell, Morrell Builders Owner.
More than a dozen of firefighters showed up concerned about safety. They're disappointed by Monday's vote.
"The fire service has long supported sprinklers. It gives us time. It gives the residents time to get out," said Chief Philip Lavery, Victor Fire Department.
"Having a sprinkler. Those few minutes for when the fire starts in the inception phase and puts out the fire saves us from going into that burning building and endangering our lives further," said Jason Ashton, City of Rochester Firefighter.
The Victor Town Board will invite developers, firefighters and town home owners to be part of the task force. They'll push for changes at the state level.
The town says it needs to take another look at a whether a law requiring sprinkler systems in town homes is a good idea.
Victor town leaders apologized Monday night. They admit they made assumptions when they first passed a law concerning sprinkler systems in town homes. On Monday night, they voted to remove that code until a task force determines if it's needed or should be expanded.
Before Monday's vote, Victor required sprinkler systems in privately owned town homes of three units or more. Now the town will follow state regulations requiring sprinkler systems in only rental properties.
Town leaders aren't against sprinkler systems. In fact, a majority believe all town homes should have them.
"To me, myself, in the best case scenario, I think the state should buy into this. That's what I am hoping. We talk about cutting edge that's what I'm hoping arises from this task force," said Jack Marren, Victor Town Supervisor.
Morrell Builders asked for the change. They've got a big project in Victor right now.
"I think Victor rightly so was basically taking a step back and saying how do we do this properly and look at it in a comprehensive basis and basically make sure they are more in conformance with the New York State code, instead of standing on their own with a code that doesn't represent state building codes," said Jeff Morrell, Morrell Builders Owner.
More than a dozen of firefighters showed up concerned about safety. They're disappointed by Monday's vote.
"The fire service has long supported sprinklers. It gives us time. It gives the residents time to get out," said Chief Philip Lavery, Victor Fire Department.
"Having a sprinkler. Those few minutes for when the fire starts in the inception phase and puts out the fire saves us from going into that burning building and endangering our lives further," said Jason Ashton, City of Rochester Firefighter.
The Victor Town Board will invite developers, firefighters and town home owners to be part of the task force. They'll push for changes at the state level.
