Mount Prospect near deal for fire alarms in 288-unit complex

Mount Prospect may have a solution for a multifamily residential complex faced with a need for a fire alarm system after the village annexed it in April 2017. The Birch Manor complex, located in the 700 block of West Dempster Street, consists of eight three-story buildings, with 36 residential units per building.

Fire Chief Brian Lambel presented a proposal this week that would use federal Community Development Block Grant funds for four of the buildings over a two-year period, while the complex would use its own funds for the remaining buildings over the two following years.

The complex needs pull stations, strobes and horns, and smoke alarms. Of three bidders, Top to Bottom Installations of Gilberts was lowest at $53,000 for two buildings.

Trustee William Grossi asked if the complex was increasing association fees to prepare for upcoming costs. "That's what we're hoping for," Lambrel said, adding that's why the village created the long-term, shared-cost plan. The village, Lambel said, will enter into an agreement with the complex.