A proposed ban on smoking in Bridgeville’s parks will linger on council’s agenda for at least another month.
In May, borough council declined to take a vote on the advertised ordinance, which would prohibit smoking or vaping in the borough’s four parks. And that’s fine with police chief Chad King.
“I think it’s best to let it go away because no judge in this commonwealth is going to upload that,” King told councilmembers at the May 10 meeting.
The idea for a smoking ban was introduced in March, when council voted 6-0 to advertise the ordinance—the first step to making it law. Councilman William Henderson was not present for that vote.
At the time, councilman Joseph Colosimo, who recalls the days when youth baseball coaches would smoke on the benches while sitting next to their players, expressed support for the concept.
“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “Kids are down there playing ball and they shouldn’t have to smell smoke.”
But questions quickly followed—should there be designated smoking area? Would enforcement be a burden on borough police?
The no-smoking issue comes at the same time that council is reviewing inconsistencies with Bridgeville’s ordinances and policies concerning dogs and alcohol in the parks.
Allegheny County will provide Bridgeville with free “No Smoking” signs if the ordinance is adopted.
Photo: frieddough/CC