New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-04-13
Adequate Revision of the Build
ina Code Will Be Demanded
from the Aldermen.
FOR GRADUATED STAIRWAYS
CHAPTERS Work Taken Up in
Connection with the Build
ing Trade Employers
Association.

/ they happen to be in a great CITY, tooh
up the attention OF some OF the best ar
chitects Of the metropolis last night.
when common things like ample stair
ways and exits In homely loft buildings
were considered to the exclusion OF all
else. The occasion was the regular
meeting of the New York Chapter OF the
American Institute of Architects, heid
/ in the National Academy Of Design, IN
West 57th street.
| Robert D. Kohn. secretary of the joint
committee which is working In con)unc-
ton with a committee from the build-
ing Trades Employers Association on d
proposed revision of the sections OF the
Building Code pertaining to fire protec-
ton In lofts and factory buildings OUT
lined the proposed changes in the code.
He said that the committee was look
ing at the problem from a viewpoint
similar TO that which had been worked
out IN regard to Section No. 1o9 govern
ing theatres. which is already In the
hands Of the Board of Aldermen for
their approval workers In lofts ana
factories on the upper floors OF bul!olhss
were subjected TO a similar fire hazard
az those in the galleries of theatres
| The first concern. as in the theatres'
vas TO require broader and more nre-
nroof stairways, in order to get the per-
sons out OF the building quickly Inc
number OF exits and their construction
uas worked out on a scientific basis ac-
oordine to the number of persons al
lowed to occupy each floor and the Time
II would take them to get down the
stairs
To Do Away with cvercrowding'
The sections for proposed revision are
Nos. -. lO3 and los Because the Vari-
Gus floors Of building are subject 10
changa in occupancy and used for diner
ent purposes the architect Will be re-
ouired to file a statement designating
what the various floors can be used FOR
and the maximum number OF persons 10
oocupv each. This will tend to do away
with overcrowding. No change can be
made in occupancy without due appllca-
ton to the Building Department II II IS
practicable to allow the floors TO ne usea
as the applicant desires. 1t If proposed
to increase the width OF stairways pro-
nortionately from the top floor down in
order TO provide for the greater number
Of persons who will have 10 use them
as they near tho street level.
The committee expects to complete the
revision of the fire prevention sections
soon. and will then present the matter TO
The Board 81 Aldermen. Benjamin d.
Traitel. president of the Building En-
ployers' Association. and chairman OF
the Joint committee which worked out
the revision Of the theatre section Of
the code. said the Board OF Aldermen
had not received the proposed new Sec
ton with any great enthusiasm.
Il call this to your attention" he said.
that you may appreciate the hostility
Of certain gentlemen TO such compre-
hensive and necessary reform. II is i'm
portant that we get the aid of every civic
for unless tremendous pressure is
brought to bear the chances are il will
be buried by the Board of Aldermen"
Mr.. Tratel said that the employers
association and the Institute of Archi-
tects intended to go before the Board Of
Aldermen in body when the hearing on
the revised section came up. Public sem
tment was strongly for the revised
code. fact which the aldermen should
be made TO appreciate.
Special Committee Appointed.
The committee on city affairs and the
committee on insurance and fire regula-
lions of the New York Board Of Trade
and Transportation submitted a toint
resolution at the regular monthly meet
ing OF the board held yesterday after.
noon in No. 203 Broadway, which pro-
vided that a special committee of five he
APPOINTED 10 make recommendations
looking to the avoidance of such calami-
ties as that at the recent fire in the
Asch Building. The resolution was
adopted unanimously.
Frank Brainard, president Of the
board, appointed the following men to
serve upon the committee William III
Gibson, chairman of the committee on
bert Plaut, chairman of the committee
on insurance and fire regulation: Or.
William Jay Schieffein. chairman OF the
Joint board OF sanitary control; Henry
Evans. president of the Continental Fire
Insurance Company. and Alexander
Robb. OF the insurance firm Of Pate d
Robb
The committee will meet within the
next few days for the purpose OF laying
out a plan of action. 1t was empow-
operation of the Chamber Of Commerce
the Merchants Association and other
organizations interested I'm the movement
for better protection against fire. Presi-
tons would be approached Immediately.
and that he expected their hearty CO.
operation.
Wishes to Avoid Excitement.
Mr.. Gibson, who introduced the resolu-
ton. said that it was prompted by the
fact that too many organizations were
taking up the matter. most OF them look
ing largely 10 some end which they
themselves had in view. The joint com
mittees were Of the firm opinion that
some action ought to be taken, but they
had expressed themselves as unwilling
TO trust 10 the excitement of the mo-