Hearing set on Tuckahoe's proposed ban on smoking in parks

A proposed law to ban smoking at ball fields, playgrounds and municipal buildings in the village is the topic of a public hearing at 8 tonight. Smoking is not restricted anywhere in the village under current law, Mayor Steve Ecklond said. The proporal to curb smoking in places where children gather was inspired by the opening of the Andrus Early Learning Center at Village Hall on Main Street this spring, Ecklond said. The child care center, which caters to kids ages 18 months to 5 years, rented two-thirds of the building and has a play area on the grounds.

 Ecklond said it was obvious to the Board of Trustees that smoking must be banned at Village Hall in light of the new tenant. They decided to see if the public would like larger restrictions. Up for debate is whether just playgrounds will be included in the ban or entire parks. The ban could also include the library and community center grounds, Ecklond said. Ecklond, a former smoker who gave up the habit after a motorcycle accident more than 20 years ago, said he understands both sides of the debate. “I am a dad of an 11-year-old son.

It’s responsible for us to prohibit smoking in certain areas of a park setting,” he said. Chester Heights resident Lisa Gjelaj, a mother of six children ages 3 to 10, said she welcomes a tobacco ban at ball fields and similar venues. “I was at a game the other day and smelled smoke, and it was distracting to me as a parent. It’s disheartening to me that there are adults smoking in front of kids,” she said.

“I think that the example we set for our children and the type of behavior we model is the most important thing.” White Plains banned smoking in city parks last year. Smoking is prohibited at Westchester County pools and beaches. New York state failed this year in its effort to enforce smoke-free zones at playgrounds and pools after a smokers’ rights group fought a ban.