I wish to express appreciation for publishing George Swimmer's letter in the Sun's January 25th edition.  He makes a good argument for concern regarding the relaxed building codes, as well as code enforcement for the new construction in downtown Downers Grove.

I would like to call attention to the disastrous consequences during a fire in a rental building on Belmont, close to Ogden, about 18 or 20 years ago.  This building had not adhered to the codes at that time, as did the building Mr. Swimmer made reference to at Washington and Burlington.  Another similar disaster was a building in Darien that had been built with the variances to the old codes allowed by B.O.C.A. (national standards for municipal construction), about 12 years ago.

Have our Downers Grove Village departments for Zoning and Code Enforcement forgotten those past mistakes?  The code regulations for Downers were reduced to the B.O.C.A requirements when the Georgian Courts on Gilbert Avenue were built.  As casual drive-by observation indicates several violations of even the B.O.C.A. recommendations.  This was exacerbated with the new bank at Warren and Forest, as well as Station Crossing.  When can we expect the Village administrations concern for it’s citizens to at least equal it’s support for builders?

We now have Acadia on the Green being of frame construction for the upper floors, above re-barred cement columns, with drywall separations and plywood floors.  The contractor certifies that this material is fire-resistant.  I would suggest that it is fire delayed.  Underwriters Laboratories indicated that the fire retardant treating chemicals will evaporate away under (high?) heat.  Has our Safety Engineer or Fire Department tested any of the wood products to see if they meet the Underwriters Lab requirements?  Has our Building Inspection program insured that this treated material has been used throughout the construction?  I would also question the sprinkler systems adequacy for this construction.  Can we who are involved with property downtown expect increased fire insurance rates created by the presence of Acadia on the Green?

Has the fervor for economic development by our Village administration jeopardized the quality, safety and welfare of our citizens?

Sincerely,

Ralph Gray - Downers Grove, IL

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