When the plan was submitted by Loudoun County for the remodel of the building we know as Carver Center, the gate at the dead end of 15th Street was not part of the plan. The original plan for this rear access point was to narrow the road at the entrance point, provide road markings, and signage that stated that the entrance was restricted to deliveries and emergency access only.
As the project neared completion, there was a meeting on Dec, 8, 2006, where a representative of the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office spoke with the Town inspector and stated “that there will need to be a gate or movable barricade in place”. This item was added to the list of deficiencies that the Town issued to the County Project Manager.
On Dec. 14, the Town received a response to the list of deficiencies. In this response, Item 12 states “Movable Barricade - The County Fire Inspector nor approved contract plans require a gate. Should the Town or representative require a barricade of sort, please provide written direction complete with details and specifications.”
On Dec 18 in an email to the Town from the project manager that the County agrees to install the barrier as a cooperative effort with the Town. We recall the barrier was installed and accepted by the Town prior to the February 28 MOU between the Town and the County regarding outstanding deficiencies. The County was permitted to receive a Temporary Occupancy permit.
This requirement for a gate at the Carver Center came from the Department of Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office. The Department of Building and Development Fire Inspectors accepted the installation and the County installed the gate.