Jump to full article: DelmarvaNow.com, 2009-09-23
Author: Michael Short * Special to the Delaware Coast Press
Intro: For some, the fun has been extinguished in the city's main gathering places.
Following a 3-to-1 vote, the City Council has banned smoking in the city's nine parks and playgrounds. Smoking has not yet been banned on the beach, but officials said they believe that could be the case in the future.
Officials said the measure was sparked by health concerns and ongoing discussions over the number of discarded cigarette butts found littering city streets and the newly dedicated Canalfront Park.
"The whole community put their efforts into that park," said Councilwoman Barbara Vaughan. "It shouldn't be desecrated with cigarette butts.
Lewes is the latest in a string of municipalities to ban smoking in the great outdoors. In 2008, Bethany Beach banned smoking in parks, playgrounds and the beach. Now, Ocean View officials are thinking about snuffing out smoking in John West Park.
Nationally, the idea is gaining momentum and is being considered in areas like New York City
Jump to full article » |