Description
Ever since St. Peter's made a policy of "no smoking" on hospital grounds, their employees have been crossing the street to smoke under the canopies of the businesses along New Scotland Avenue. In doing so, they drop their cigarette butts and gum all over the sidewalk. The business owners have complained to Saint Peter's, to no avail.
This is not only a health hazard for residents walking along the sidewalk and having to breathe cigarette smoke, but going in and out of any business is also unpleasant. The clouds of smoke hover, and customers should not have to be exposed to this unpleasantness. The smokers gather in clusters all day long, and the sidewalks are a disgrace.
I suggest the city make a NO SMOKING area from the corner of New Scotland at South Manning, to New Scotland at West Lawrence. Punishable by a fine.
Saint Peter's has a responsibility to create a smoking area for their employees. Their problem should not compromise taxpaying businesses, or make our neighborhood look like a developing country.
also asked...
A. Unsanitary conditions
A. No Answer Given
13 Comments
City of Albany Admin 3 (Verified Official)
nellie (Registered User)
Acknowledged BRC Rick (Verified Official)
BRC Rick (Verified Official)
nellie (Registered User)
PB (Registered User)
I spoke with codes today and they explained that even if (apparently none was ever dispatched!) they sent an inspector there, there is nothing the inspector could do, short of taking note of smokers (which is obvious from the amount of butts and gum on the sidewalk). Codes suggested contacting the County Department of Health. Pass the buck...
In any case, I did find on the county site (https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/public_health_law/section/1399/1399.pdf) under Article 1399-p "Posting of Signs", that the business owners can post No-Smoking signs on their property. But who would enforce this?
I suggest that anyone who cares, write to the Mayor, and request that from CVS to the Key Bank be made a "No Smoking Zone" enforceable by the city Police. It is a restaurant district and the smoking in front of the entrances is a health hazard.
The Honorable Kathy Sheehan
Office of the Mayor
City Hall, Rm. 102
24 Eagle St.
Albany, NY 12207
You can also write to County Legislator Gary Domalewicz (gdomalewicz@nycap.rr.com), and request that this be pursued for the health of neighborhood residents, and the aesthetic if the local business district.
nellie (Registered User)
BRC Kevin M (Registered User)
PB (Registered User)
Thank you Kevin M for letting us know that an inspector did visit the site.
But, "The Owner"? Who would that be? The owner of the property, or the tenant? Which location? Just Subway, or the entire filthy block?
This is a city issue. That sidewalk is public property and unless the city puts up a "No Smoking Zone" like the hospital did, DGS should be using their sidewalk-cleaning equipment there daily.
BTW: See the recent brochure about litter that was placed in all city water department billing statements this month. This area of New Scotland Ave is a major contributor to litter in our waterways.
BRC Kevin M (Registered User)
PB (Registered User)
Closed BRC Rick (Verified Official)
nellie (Registered User)