THUMB AWARD A BURNING ISSUE?

Thumbs Down to Dallas’ Building Code Appeals and Advisory Board for delaying the City Council vote on mandatory sprinkler systems in area buildings. Board members say they will need at least 90 days to consider whether or not the sprinklers should be required in all large or tall, buildings in Dallas. They say that the issue is too complex to study in a shorter time period, but Councilman Sid Stahl says that the board is putting off the decision because of pressure from the construction industry. As it stands, the issue will not be considered until the new council is in office. The agenda for the new council will be chock-full of items, possibly causing further delay on the decision. Why wait? The proposal was put on hold just 10 days before the fire at Willow Creek Apart-ments – the largest apartment fire in Dallas’ history.