Councilman cites quality-of-life issues, but not all members agree with proposals.
Jump to full article: Glendale (CA) News-Press, 2010-02-25
Author: Melanie Hicken
Intro: The City Council on Tuesday introduced an ordinance strengthening anti-smoking regulations, roughly a year after implementing the first set of citywide restrictions.
The ordinance, which faces a final vote next month, would ban smoking on patios and balconies of condominium complexes and apartment buildings. Lighting up in common areas in condo buildings would also be prohibited, according to the tentative ordinance.
While council members were initially wary of imposing any regulations in condominiums, they said Tuesday that they had to consider the quality-of-life issues of tenants who are repeatedly exposed to second-hand smoke from neighboring units.
"At some point we have to factor in the quality of life of other residents," said City Councilman John Drayman. . . .
In January, the American Lung Assn. gave Glendale an A for the second year in a row for its tobacco control policies.
Still, several residents said they were frustrated to repeatedly see smoking in public space, especially parks and outdoor eating areas.
"I live across the street from Wilson Mini Park," Serge Lazar said. "But I can never go to Wilson Mini Park because everyone smokes around there."
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