News

June 11, 2008

Vote nears to ban use of tobacco in W-B parks

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – City council Thursday will vote on an ordinance that will prohibit the possession and use of tobacco products by minors in city parks and on city property.

At its work session Tuesday, council reviewed the proposed ordinance that also would ban the use of tobacco by adults in city parks in areas where small children play and/or congregate.

“It’s against state law for minors to purchase tobacco products,” said council Chairwoman Kathy Kane. “So they shouldn’t be allowed to possess it or use it.”

A violation of the ordinance will be a summary offense and upon conviction, will carry a fine not to exceed $100.

The intention of the ordinance is “to protect the health, safety and welfare of the children” of the city and surrounding communities “by creating a smoke-free play environment” for children.

Signs will be posted in all areas covered by the ordinance, included but not limited to Kirby Park, Public Square, Miner Park, Charles Street Park, Hollenback Park, Parsons Park and Coal Street Park.

The ordinance defines tobacco as “a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other lighted smoking product and smokeless tobacco in any form.”

Kane said the proposed ordinance was modeled after one adopted in 2007 by West Pittston. The city ordinance will take effect 10 days after its adoption, which should come Thursday at council’s meeting.

At council’s May meeting, Councilman Bill Barrett told council about concerns residents had expressed about people smoking at Kirby Park’s playground area and then throwing their discarded cigarettes on the ground.

Barrett said he was contacted by Melissa Rehrig of the Luzerne County chapter of Steps to a Healthier PA/USA -- an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that advances the goal of helping Americans live healthier. Rehrig attended council’s meeting and provided information about the dangers of second-hand smoke.

In other business, council will consider proposals on two city-owned properties. An agreement has been reached with Sy Realty, LLC, for the purchase of the former Old River Road Bakery. FHS Associates, Inc. has offered to buy the Northeast Firehouse on Conyngham Street for $315,000.

Mayor Tom Leighton said the former bakery will be developed into a “quiet use” commercial business. He said the selling price is being negotiated.

Council will vote on the issuance of $14 million in bonds for the Coal Street Park renovation project. Leighton said details of the project will be announced within the next 10 days.

Kane said a swimming pool is not in the initial plans for the park, but she and Councilman Tony Thomas Jr. said some type of water attraction will be part of Coal Street Park in the future.

Four more downtown businesses have requested approval to have outdoor seating, following the lead of Caf� Toscana. Januzzi’s Pizza, The Hardware Bar, Main Street Saloon and Rodano’s Pizza have asked to place tables and chairs outside their businesses. Main Street Saloon and Rodano’s new location have not yet opened.

What’s next?

City Council meets 6 p.m. Thursday, fourth floor, City Hall.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 829-7218.

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