Assembly limits of Boston FSILG residences to be re-evaluated
Assembly limits of Boston FSILG residences to be re-evaluated
Students and alumni of MIT’s fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs) gathered on Oct. 24 for a meeting regarding the temporary restriction on large events in Boston FSILG residences, which are to remain until the assembly limits of each residence could be evaluated. Boston FSILG residences are applying for updated assembly permits and are restricted from having events that exceed the occupancy of their houses until the permits have been issued — effectively, a ban on parties and other large events at the residences.
In an email to The Tech, Interfraternity Council (IFC) Vice President Brian L. Alvarez ’15 explained that the primary reason for the reevaluation is that the limits currently reported by the residences have been calculated in a manner that is now outdated. The Boston Inspectional Services Department requires that assembly limits are calculated based on the emergency exit capabilities of each residence. Currently, however, Boston FSILG residences have assembly limits calculated by the old system that was based on square footage. The Boston Inspectional Services Department wants to verify that all assembly limits meet the present standards and reflect the safe capacities of FSILG residences.
“The MIT FSILG Office, the Association of Independent Living Groups (AILG), and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) are currently working with architects and the individual houses to complete and submit the new assembly applications as soon as possible,” stated Alvarez.
“There are preliminary discussions to explore the possibility of hiring a second architect for additional support to help expedite the process. Stakeholders involved have not had an opportunity to make any final decisions,” reported Matthew Bauer, director of communications and special assistant to the Dean of Student Life.
In last Thursday’s meeting, senior associate dean of Residential Life & Dining Henry J. Humphreys reiterated the need for compliance with the temporary restrictions until updated assembly permits have been acquired.
—Alexandra Delmore