Officials in Bergen, Mercer counties call for review of state codes following Edgewater fire

CHRIS PEDOTA/staff photographer

The fire at the Avalon at Edgewater destroyed more than half of the 408-unit complex.

Bergen and Mercer county officials called Tuesday for a review of state building and fire safety codes as they stood near the site of a development planned by the owner of an Edgewater apartment complex partially destroyed last month in a spectacular, quick-burning blaze that shut roadways and schools, spurred evacuations and left hundreds homeless.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland travelled to Princeton to join its mayor, Liz Lempert, and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes in asking state officials to take a hard look at the rules that apparently couldnt prevent the devastating, five-alarm fire in the riverside community.

"This isn't about a company. This is about construction. This is about the state of New Jersey taking a look at the type of construction that we allow and whether the codes that allow that construction to happen are up to date and allow for people to live in a safe environment," said Tedesco.

The officials want the state Department of Community Affairs to review state building codes before it evaluates AvalonBays plan to construct 280 units on a former hospital site in Princeton.

Hughes said he has spoken with DCA Commissioner Richard E. Constable III who indicated there would be a review of building codes before the Princeton project is approved.

"He says he will, indeed, review the fire code and the municipal code here, in the state of New Jersey before giving final approval..., said Hughes. We need to have all the assurances that people are safe in their homes."

There was no immediate comment Tuesday from DCA on the request or Constables plans. Questions posed to DCA last week about a possible code review and its evaluation of the Princeton development also went unanswered.

A spokesman for AvalonBay said Tuesday the firm has no comment at this time.

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Officials in Bergen, Mercer counties call for review of state codes following Edgewater fire