Mount Prospect discusses money for Birch Manor fire code help
When residents of the Birch Manor condominium complex were recently annexed into Mount Prospect, they were told they would need to bring fire alarms and smoke detectors into compliance with state regulations.
Village Manager Michael Cassady said at the time that the village would look at federal Community Development Block Grant dollars to help offset the costs at the eight-building, 288-unit complex at the northwest corner of Dempster Street and Linneman Avenue.
At Tuesday's village board meeting, Birch Manor resident Tim Murphy told trustees that despite village help, the complex probably couldn't afford the upgrades. No resolution was reached.
The discussion arose as the board approved the 2017 plan for Community Development Block Grant program. Safety and health improvements at Birch Manor are included under the affordable housing priorities in the plan.
Community Development Director William Cooney said the fire department has been working with the condo association for about six months.
According to a memo from Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Loomis, the upgrades would cost from $24,000 to $50,000 per 36-unit building. Loomis recommended $112,000 in grant funding - $28,000 per building, with $56,000 in 2017 to take care of two buildings, and the same amount in 2018 to handle two other buildings. The condo association would then be responsible for the remaining four buildings.
Loomis wrote that at a minimum, Birch Manor would be required to have "a fire alarm system, manual pull stations, smoke detection and notification devices."
"I sincerely appreciate the board providing that assistance with upgrading to meet the fire code, so I don't want to sound ungrateful when I say that I want to ask if there was a way for the board to consider more assistance for that," Murphy said.
He said the complex has little in the way of reserves, while nearly the entire income of the association goes toward expenses. "So it is my fear that even with the generous contribution … we just cannot afford it," he said.
Mayor Arlene Juracek said that at the time the annexation was discussed, Birch Manor did not meet the code requirements governing it.
The board discussed alternative funding methods.
Trustee Paul Hoefert suggested the village offer a no-interest loan, something the village has done for property owners for other projects. He said he is concerned about life safety. "Moving this forward, I think, is critical," he said.
Finance Director David Erb said he could meet with Cassady to discuss the issue.
"This should be done as quickly as possible," Trustee Richard Rogers said.