Poll: Should Smoking be Prohibited in Moorestown's Public Parks and Recreation Areas?

The agenda for the March 24 Moorestown Council meeting included a discussion concerning amendments to the township’s smoking ordinance.

The item was tabled the night of the meeting, and was not up for discussion at Monday night’s council meeting at the high school.

As far as Mayor Chris Chiacchio is concerned, the item is not something that should be up for discussion.

“I didn’t support it and we have bigger priorities,” Chiacchio said when questioned on the subject by Democratic Committee Chairman Robert Gorman Monday night. “ … It doesn’t address a problem. I have no intention of putting it back on the agenda and making it a crime to smoke while walking your dog.”

The ordinance proposed changes to Chapter 125 of the township's ordinance to prohibit smoking in local parks and recreation areas.

Chiacchio said he has two children and neither of them have ever encountered a problem with people smoking at the township’s parks.

Councilman Phil Garwood suggested that if the item came back up for debate, council could make any needed changes so that the proposed changes make sense and deal with any existing issues.

“I suggest we put the smoking ordinance on the agenda and look at recommendations,” Councilman Greg Newcomer said. “Several people in the township have relatives affected by smoking and I think it’s worthwhile to take a look at.”

Chiacchio said council would have to vote on whether to put the item on the agenda, and council members agreed a vote should be taken when every council member was present. Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano was absent.

Do you believe smoking is a problem in Moorestown parks and recreation areas? Participate in our poll and let us know your reasons in the comments section.