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The Chicago Tribune recently covered a proposed sprinkler initiative in Winnetka, sparking quite a debate among local business leaders. The ordinance, if passed, would mandate all commercial buildings in Winnetka to install fire sprinklers within the next few years. Proponents argue this is a critical step for public safety, while critics label it as an unwarranted financial burden.
To get a sense of the community's stance, Winnetka Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky mentioned that officials sent out surveys during the summer to approximately 500 local business owners and landlords. These surveys are expected to be discussed at the upcoming village council meeting on November 11th.
As Berkowsky explained, the village had previously implemented a similar rule back in 1977, requiring sprinklers to be installed whenever there was a change of use for a building—say, converting an insurance office into a retail space. This new proposal aims to extend that requirement to all commercial properties, including private schools, within the next five years.
"The downtown area is particularly vulnerable," Berkowsky noted, pointing out the lack of space between buildings. "Without proper separation, fires can spread rapidly." He cited a specific example from February, where a fire broke out in a historic restaurant in Mount Prospect, quickly engulfing neighboring businesses.
Interestingly, some members of the village's Business Community Development Commission have voiced their backing for the proposed ordinance. Berkowsky also highlighted that since the 1977 law came into play, around 64% of businesses in the West Elm district have already installed sprinklers.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Glenn Weaver, a landlord owning a 3,600-square-foot building on Lincoln Avenue, claims the current regulations have made it difficult for him to lease out his property. "Due to the existing rules, my space has been empty for five years," Weaver stated. He mentioned that previous tenants ran professional services, but any future retail ventures would need to install sprinklers. Weaver expressed frustration, calling the fire chief's push for sprinklers "scare tactics" and estimating he’s spent close to $40,000 just on alarms and smoke detectors.
Weaver also questioned whether he ever received the survey, raising concerns about how the distribution process was handled. Berkowsky responded that officials did attempt to mail the survey to every commercial business in town, offering an online option for those who wished to participate. Despite these efforts, the controversy surrounding the proposal continues to grow, reflecting the complex balance between safety and economic feasibility in local governance.