Smoking Ban Considered on Town Grounds

The Montclair Council is taking steps to prohibit smoking on the grounds of the township’s two public libraries — but will they further forbid lighting up on town property?

At least some members of the council hope so.

Deputy Mayor Bob Russo said he would like to see the habit prohibited wherever possible. Montclair could be a leader in the area, he said, by banning smoking outside the Municipal Building, in Montclair parks, etc. 

Russo said other towns around the state have taken the step, including Orange which approved an extensive smoking ban on city property in May.

Councilor-at-Large Rich McMahon said he personally had an issue with prohibiting a “legal activity.”

“I understand some people don’t like smoking. I don’t like walking behind a bus,” McMahon said. “It’s a part of life.”

McMahon suggested a resolution discouraging smoking instead.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Renee Baskerville sided with Russo, saying as a medical care provider she has seen first-hand the effects of second-hand smoke on health.

Baskerville said she was in favor of banning the activity despite it being legal. 

“I always view Montclair as being on the cutting edge," she said.

A public hearing on the ordinance banning smoking outside the South Fullerton and Bellevue Avenue library branches is scheduled for the Tuesday, July 16 council meeting.