Published: 6/4/2019 5:27:08 PM
The Northampton Board of Health has proposed a tobacco smoking ban to protect residents who want to avoid secondhand smoke. The ban would prohibit smoking in most public spaces in the downtown business districts of Northampton and Florence.
In Northampton, the ban would cover Main Street between Hawley Street and the intersection of West and Elm streets, as well as the intersection of Summer and King streets to the intersection of Conz and Pleasant streets.
In Florence, it would span Main Street between Lilly Street and Plymouth Avenue.
Smoking could potentially be prohibited on public sidewalks, in public parking lots, on streets, in driveways and in front of businesses. Smoking would still be allowed in city-designated smoking areas.
According to Board of Health member Laurent Levy, the board is working on designating smoking areas that are well-ventilated and that do not interfere with business owners or their patrons.
The board is also working to determine new fines based on existing ones for smoking in public spaces such as public parks, where smoking already is prohibited. The current fines are $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second and $300 for a third.
Levy said that there has been opposition to the ban because of how it may disproportionately affect the homeless population of Northampton. “The board is very well aware of this,” he said, “and is also concerned and is trying to find a balance.”
Although smoking is prohibited in public parks, Pulaski Park in downtown Northampton is still a popular smoking location.
“Smokers have rights, too,” said Stephen Corridean, a recording artist in Hadley, as he smoked a cigarette in the back of the park.
“Seems Draconian, doesn’t it,” Lew Louraine said of the proposed ban, while walking along Main Street with his wife, Peg Louraine.
The next Board of Health meeting is scheduled for June 27, and residents are welcome to air their views on the proposed smoking ban. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the location to be determined.
“The board doesn’t respond to the comments, but they certainly listen,” Levy said. “If these people want to comment, they should.”
The Gazette spoke to smokers and non-smokers in Pulaski Park and along Main Street about their thoughts on the proposed ban.