I've sent several emails and then they clean up but it's not on a regular basis. It's a mess. The businesses across the street don't sweep up either and that's why I will not patronize them. They should be fined -- a good way to raise revenue for the city.

Thank you for reporting this situation. An inspector has been assigned to evaluate the premises.

BRC Rick assigned this issue to BRC Kevin M

I've sent them emails several times and then they clean up but it's not done on a regular basis. The outside is a pigs sty. People smoke right next to the sign that states "no smoking area". The businesses across the street don't sweep up either. Nobody takes any pride or responsibility. I won't patronize the businesses there because of their neglect.

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.

It's an absolute mess there. The workers blatantly smoke right next to the no smoking sign. The hospital should be held responsible for cleanup.

Thank you for reporting this incident. An inspector has evaluated the premises and issued a Notice and Order to the owner requiring the owner to abate the code violation(s).

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.

Thank you for your questions. I will look into this further and get back to you.

Thank you Kevin. I see that some of the shops have put up with "no loitering" signs. As long as the city backs the tenants, and there's a way for them to enforce it, this is the best idea. If every shop had a no loitering sign, we wouldn't have the smokers leaving their garbage

Thank you for reporting this incident. A code enforcement officer has performed an inspection of the premises and has determined that no violations are in existence.

much improved