In Wyckoff, building materials become issue in proposed health care center expansion
MARCH 1, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY MARINA VILLENEUVE
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
WYCKOFF — Residents opposed to the expansion of the Christian Health Care Center say January’s fire at the Avalon at Edgewater apartment complex shows what can happen if the center developer is allowed to use combustible construction material, as it wants to.
State law currently allows such material, and that has become a point of potential conflict over the expansion application as opponents call on the township’s zoning officials to stand their ground after recently refusing to allow such materials.
In 2013, the center’s representatives signed an agreement with Wyckoff that it would use only non-combustible construction materials. But then they asked to be allowed to use cheaper, combustible materials like wood framing. The non-profit, which previously agreed to scale down the project from 258 units, to 199, says its fire detection and suppression systems exceed code standards.
In December, the Zoning Board of Adjustment voted, 6-1, to deny the request to amend the agreement.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/wyckoff-center-s-foes-cite-avalon-tragedy-1.1280449
