With Permission
The town’s parks and recreation commission has adopted a no- smoking policy for two town beaches, a pond, and all parks, a policy that includes electronic smoking. The new policy comes with “No Smoking” signs but no official ordinance – at least not yet.
Richard Hill, a Branford resident, told the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) at its monthly meeting last week that in recent months he went to the Parks and Rec commission seeking a no-smoking ban at the town’s beaches and all parks “but no signs went up” even though the commission adopted the ban last August.
Alex Palluzzi, Jr., Park and Rec Department director, has now announced that the policy is in effect.
It says, “Smoking is prohibited at all properties under the control of the Branford Recreational Department at all times, including but not limited to: buildings, grounds, entrances, sidewalks, parking lots and beaches. Smoking is defined as the use of cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other devices that produce smoke, including electronic cigarettes and water pipes.”
Puffs of Smoke at Beaches
Hill said, “It’s absolutely appalling. These folks light up in a playground and on the beach, especially at Branford Point and Parker Park, a town facility.” The Stony Creek beach is another town property along with Young’s Pond and Field where, until now, smoking was permitted.
RTM clerk Adam Hansen said he and his wife take their children to the Branford Point beach where smoking takes place at playgrounds and on the beach. “I feel your pain,” he told Hill.
Palluzzi said the new policy was adopted “for the health of the Branford Community” and in keeping with the department’s philosophy to provide for good health. He said exposure to second-hand smoke is “unhealthy, even in outdoor spaces. …Exposure to concentrated amounts of second-hand smoke outdoors can cause respiratory irritation and may trigger asthma attacks. This no smoking policy will help to provide a healthier and safer environment for the residents of Branford,” he said.
Who Goes First?
There appeared to be some legal confusion about whether the RTM should go first with a proposed ordinance or whether to defer to the Parks and Rec Commission, which had adopted the new anti-smoking policy at all town facilities, including ball fields. Smoking is currently banned at all town schools and facilities.
Rep. Robin Sandler, head of the Rules & Ordinance committee, raised the proposed ordinance at the RTM meeting.
Hill told the RTM that he was told “this requires an ordinance. I called the first selectman. He said it needs an ordinance.” So a proposed ordinance was placed on the agenda.
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, who attended the RTM meeting, said that Parks and Rec intends to put up signs explaining the new town policy. Enforcing the policy is another matter, but signs help, he said.
The RTM agreed that signage (see top photo) is an important first step. If it doesn’t work, Hansen said, “We can bring back the proposed ordinance and enact it,” he said.
Hill agreed.
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