New Jersey's High-Rise Sprinkler Retrofit Proposal

Michael L. Ticktin, Esq.

Chief, Legislative Analysis

Department of Community Affairs

PO Box 802

Trenton, NJ 08625

RE: PRN 2007-297 – High Rise Suppression – Proposed Changes to N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.3, 4.7, 4.17

December 9, 2007

Dear Mr. Ticktin,

I am writing to express my opposition to the above captioned proposal. The negative effect that this proposed amendment will have on housing affordability in New Jersey – on the order of $200-$400 per unit – has been amply communicated to the DCA.

In exchange for a negative affordability effect, only negligible safety increases would be achieved. This proposal clearly runs counter to Governor Corzine’s stated goal of increasing affordable housing in the state.

I am deeply troubled by the fact that this proposal is being driven by the fire sprinkler installer’s union; clearly a self serving conflict of interest. The union members will profit off the backs of New Jersey’s honest landlords and hard-working, working class tenants.

In a testament to this proposal’s ill-considered nature, the strangest of bedfellows, the New Jersey Apartment Association and the New Jersey Tenants Organization, have joined forces to oppose this amendment.

New Jersey is already one of the most unaffordable states in America to live in, let’s not make it any worse. I respectfully request that the Department of Community Affairs not adopt the proposed amendments establishing the retrofit requirement.

Very truly yours,

Rosey