Couch Ban Approved

The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night banning upholstered furniture on porches, ending years of debate over the issue. Deanna LeMasters, whose stepson died in an April fire on South State Street, pleaded with the City Council to approve the ban. City Council Member Christopher Taylor, sponsor of the couch ban, said the new ordinance is a vital safety measure necessary to protect Ann Arbor residents. "It is a measure which will not protect everyone from all danger, and will not (prevent) all fires, but it is a reasonable measure that will substantially reduce risk and will save both life and property," he said. Read the story here.