Proposed Bill Strengthens Building Construction in New Jersey

Words: Dan KamysA bill introduced in the New Jersey state legislature would require more fire resistant materials to be used in construction, as to avoid disasters seen in the Avalon at Edgewater fire. Last week Maria Rodriguez-Gregg (R) and Joseph Lagana (D) introduced Bill A4626, which includes several measures for fire-safe construction and building materials in certain multifamily residential buildings. The bill would prohibit the use of light-frame construction, such as wood, for multifamily dwellings in areas with a population density of more than 5,000 persons per square mile. In addition, these buildings would need to have firewalls built using non-combustible materials. The Edgewater fire is just one of many large multifamily developments constructed of lightweight wood throughout the state and nation, which, even when provided with sprinkler systems, have displaced thousands of residents, not just from the project that burned but also from adjacent properties. Learn more at https://legiscan.com/NJ/bill/A4626/2014.
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