Plattsburg, NY and other communities approve outside tobacco-free policy..

March 12, 2010 - Plattsburgh, N.Y. city councilors unanimously approved a tobacco-free policy for the City Beach, parks, recreation and multi-use paths.

The ban, passed at Thursday night's meeting, March 9th, would eliminate smoking in those public areas, which are highly traveled by families with children. "Besides the dangers of smoking, I think this is a good idea," said Councilor George Rabideau (R-Ward 3). He noted that besides the problem of second-hand smoke, the beach is often littered with discarded cigarette butts. "And some people flick their butts away, and they are still burning, and you have people walking on the beach barefoot."

Councilor Michael Kelly (D-Ward 2) said he has experienced a lit cigarette butt being flicked onto his blanket at the beach in the past. "I am happy to support this," he said.

Reference: Council approves no-smoking policy at City Beach [The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Bahavorial Health Central, 3/12/2010.

Other community leaders in New York State have have also voted to go smoke free. Gloversville Common Council on Tuesday, March 9th enacted a tobacco-free policy for all city parks. The ban is virtually identical to one passed in the Village of Fonda earlier this month. City council members voted on it after Sue Arminio, project coordinator for Project ACTION, made a presentation urging the council to enact the ban. Project ACTION is an anti-tobacco coalition.