![]() ![]() “Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires in our city and I think I’ve told you that many times,” Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter said in recommending the requirement for NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 13R sprinkler systems at a minimum downtown to the commissioners. This will reduce the chances of a major fire destroying multiple buildings located side by side - perhaps an entire block. The offering of incentive grants is designed to help offset the expenses involved with that, not only stimulating additional investment in properties downtown but protecting what’s already there in terms of its historic character. This presents a particular challenge with fire-suppression requirements for older structures, of which downtown Mount Airy has its share, Farmer reminded. Such growth requires significant commitments of private investment for building rehabilitation and construction. The motivation for the fire-suppression grant initiative is a recognition that the economic future of Mount Airy’s central business district hinges on both commercial and residential development, City Stan Farmer said in presenting the plan. ![]() In a related move, the board also decided unanimously to amend a city ordinance to require that a sophisticated type of sprinkler system be installed for applicable residential occupancies. The key part of the plan involves the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners’ approval of a Downtown Fire-Suppression Life and Safety Grant program in a 5-0 vote last Thursday night. Mount Airy officials have taken action to stimulate the development of more housing downtown, but one commissioner worries that this could bring “unintended consequences” with parking availability. ![]()
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