February 19, 2015

AvalonBay Agrees to Enhance Protection At Princeton and Maplewood Developments

AvalonBay Communities Inc., the company developing a complex of apartments at the former site of Princeton Hospital on Witherspoon Street, announced Tuesday that it will voluntarily upgrade its fire protection systems in that development and another in Maplewood. The decision comes in the wake of a disastrous fire at an AvalonBay community in Edgewater last month.

 In a statement, the company said, it would enhance the systems “at its high density, wood frame communities that are scheduled to commence construction in the near future…to comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13 — a standard that is greater than what is required by the current building code for this building type.”

 More sprinklers will be incorporated throughout the buildings, including in the attics, closet spaces, and between the ceilings and floors. In addition, the company will install masonry firewalls, which are not required for this building type by current fire codes. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Richard Constable said of the move, “AvalonBay’s decision to voluntarily hold themselves to a higher standard when building these communities is a very positive development for the Princeton and Maplewood communities.”

 Following the Edgewater fire last month, Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert and Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes were among those who urged AvalonBay to voluntarily upgrade fire protection in the Princeton development. They also called for a review of New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code prior to the formal evaluation by the DCA of the construction plan.

  The Edgewater fire destroyed 240 units and has led to lawsuits arguing that AvalonBy was negligent. The fire began accidentally inside a wall when maintenance workers were using a blowtorch to do plumbing repairs in an apartment. According to officials, the building’s lightweight, wooden construction allowed the fire to spread, and 911 was not called as the workers tried to put out the blaze.

 “We remain highly enthusiastic about our long-term prospects in the Garden State,” said Ronald S. Ladell, AvalonBay Senior Vice President. “By continuing to work with local governmental and community leaders throughout New Jersey, we will continue to build distinctive, welcoming and safe communities.”