PSE&G SITE HOUSING PROJECT TO ADD SPRINKLERS, STRONGER MATERIALS

Avalon Bay, which is building the massive 235-unit housing project on the former PSE&G site on Boyden Avenue, issued a statement declaring it will add sprinklers and other safer materials in the wake of the tragic fire at its Edgewater complex last month.

This is the statement issued Wednesday by the company:

For Immediate Release

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC. TO VOLUNTARILY 

BUILD ITS PRINCETON AND MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITIES TO NFPA 13

- Governmental leaders praise the company’s decision to hold itself to a standard that exceeds the existing building code in an effort to enhance fire safety -

Arlington, VA (February 18, 2015) – AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE: AVB) announced today that it will voluntarily enhance the fire protection systems at its high density, wood frame communities that are scheduled to commence construction in the near future in both Princeton and Maplewood, NJ to comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standard (“NFPA”) 13—a standard that is greater than what is required by the current building code for this building type. 

As a result, AvalonBay will incorporate more sprinklers throughout the building, including in the attics, closet spaces and between the ceilings and floors.  In addition, the company will upgrade the fire safety for these buildings by installing masonry firewalls, which are not required for this building type by the current building code or NFPA 13.

"This is a great step. AvalonBay is going beyond existing building codes to better protect both people and property in these new units," said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Richard Constable said of the move:“AvalonBay’s decision to voluntarily hold themselves to a higher standard when building  these communities is a very positive development for the Princeton and Maplewood communities.” 

“We remain highly enthusiastic about our long-term prospects in the Garden State,” said Ronald S. Ladell, AvalonBay Senior Vice President. “By continuing to work with local governmental and community leaders throughout New Jersey, we will continue to build distinctive, welcoming and safe communities.”