Torrent of words over law; Sprinkler regs debated.

• Author: Ellery, J.P.
• Position: Weeklies

Byline: J.P. Ellery

WEST BROOKFIELD -- Trying to convince voters here to accept a state law mandating sprinklers in certain existing buildings is becoming more difficult than extinguishing a major fire.

Fire Chief Paul J. Lupacchino has tried twice at town meetings to have residents adopt the section of state law that, if passed, would require existing housing with four or more apartment units to install sprinklers if it is re-constructed to a like-new condition.

At two successive annual town meetings, this year and last, there have been too many objections to allow for passage.

The chief said in a recent interview that some people in opposing the law are jumping to the conclusion that repairing a roof, installing siding or doing substantial cosmetic work would trigger the law's sprinkler requirement, but that is not the case, according to him.

He said the law is specific that renovations have to be extensive to the point where sprinklers likely were an option when the reconstruction was under consideration.

"How can I require them to put sprinklers in if they never renovated the interior? If you brought walls down to bare studs or ceilings down to bare studs (that is different).''

The chief said he also must take into consideration whether putting sprinklers in would be a financial burden on the property owner.

Chief Lupacchino said the 26-I section of state law does nothing more than what the state building code now requires of new construction, and voters have to think about the protection that these sprinklers afford, especially the older population which frequently lives in these multi-unit apartment buildings.

"These are the people being injured in fires,'' the chief said.

"They (the voters) need to consider public safety.''

Two West Brookfield selectmen said there are voters in town who fear that this law puts too much authority in the chief's hands in demanding of property owners an expensive installation of sprinklers.

"He (the chief) needs to clarify it more,'' Selectman Barry J. Nadon Jr. said of the proposal. "Everybody should be able to walk in (to a town meeting) and know what it's about.''

Selectman Diane S. Vayda echoed Mr. Nadon's comments. "There are too many questions that are unanswered,'' she said.

The town's advisory committee, which makes recommendations on proposals offered at town meetings, also has failed to support the chief's...