The Chicago Tribune recently featured an article on a proposed sprinkler initiative in Winnetka. According to the article, the plan aims to require all commercial buildings in Winnetka to install fire sprinklers within the next few years. While some local business leaders support this move, citing it as a necessary measure for safety, others oppose it, labeling it an "unfunded mandate."
Winnetka Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky mentioned that earlier this summer, officials sent out surveys to around 500 local business owners and landlords to gather feedback on the proposed ordinance. This topic is expected to come up for discussion during the upcoming village council meeting on November 11.
Berkowsky noted that back in 1977, the village had enacted a similar ordinance, mandating the installation of sprinklers whenever there was a change of use in a commercial building. However, the current proposal seeks to broaden this requirement, applying it to all commercial properties, including private schools, within approximately five years.
"The downtown business district in Winnetka faces a distinct challenge due to the lack of significant spacing between buildings," Berkowsky explained. "This lack of separation significantly increases the risk of fires spreading rapidly." He pointed to an incident in February where a fire broke out in a restaurant in Mount Prospect's historic downtown area, quickly spreading to neighboring businesses.
Interestingly, some members of the village’s Business Community Development Commission have voiced their approval for this new sprinkler ordinance. Berkowsky highlighted that since the 1977 ordinance was implemented, many businesses in Winnetka, particularly in the West Elm district, have already taken steps to install fire sprinklers, with approximately 64% compliance.
However, not everyone is on board. Glenn Weaver, a landlord who owns a 3,600-square-foot building on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Winnetka, expressed frustration with the existing change-of-use policy. He stated that the requirement to install sprinklers has made it extremely difficult for him to lease out his property. "For five years now, I've had a space that remains empty because of this rule," Weaver explained. He mentioned that a previous tenant operated a professional service, but any potential retail tenant would need to comply with the sprinkler mandate. Weaver estimated that he has already spent close to $40,000 on fire alarms and smoke detectors alone.
Weaver also claimed that he did not receive the recent survey from the fire department and questioned how these surveys were distributed. Berkowsky responded that efforts were made to send the survey to all commercial entities in town, and additional opportunities were provided for business owners and landlords to share their views through an online platform.
Despite the ongoing debate, the proposal continues to spark conversation among stakeholders, highlighting the complex balance between safety regulations and economic considerations in urban planning.
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