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Council overrides mayor’s veto, grants waiver for rear-alley access on Cecil Street townhouse project
Summary
After debate and a mayoral veto citing emergency-access concerns, City Council voted to overturn the veto and approve a developer’s request to waive the rear-access alley requirement for a townhouse project at Northwest Street and Cecil Street; council required residential sprinklers for the project.
City Council voted to overturn Mayor Robin R. Christensen’s veto and approve a request to waive the code’s rear-access alley requirement for a townhouse development at the corner of Northwest Street and Cecil Street.
The clerk read a written veto from Mayor Christensen that said the waiver “would, in the event of a catastrophic fire, hinder emergency vehicles' accessibility, potentially jeopardizing the safety of families and the integrity of the surrounding community.” The mayor’s letter also said she supported the inclusion of a residential sprinkler system for the townhouses.
Councilman Rocha said he supported approval of the waiver because previous waivers had set precedent and the city’s fire department and marshal had indicated that fire access could be achieved using ladders and apparatus positioned to the east and west sides of the buildings. Councilman Lewis disagreed and said he sided with the mayor, stressing that sprinkler systems are not foolproof and that emergency-access points matter for rescues and fire response.
The fire chief (fire marshal’s office representative present) told council that sprinkler systems are “very reliable” and that failures are generally associated with human error such as a system being shut off during maintenance; the panel noted that sprinkler installation had been recommended for the project.
Councilwoman Arndt asked that the record reflect that the item had been the subject of vigorous debate in committee and at council meetings. Several council members referenced prior waiver decisions as precedent for the current action.
Madam Clerk recorded the roll call for the overturn motion: Bogarty — yes; Neal — yes; Dr. Pillsbury — yes; Mrs. Arndt — yes; Rocha — yes; Councilman Lewis — no; Council President Anderson — yes. The clerk announced the tally as six yes, one no, one absent; the two-thirds threshold in the charter was reached and the veto was overturned.
The waiver carries conditions discussed in committee, including the installation of residential sprinklers. Staff will proceed according to the council’s direction and applicable permitting steps.
