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March 10, 2010

City aims to rid beach and public areas of smoking

By JOE LOTEMPLIO

PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh city councilors are aiming to make outdoor public areas more healthy.

The council will vote tonight on whether to approve a tobacco-free policy for all city parks, recreation trails, multi-use paths and at the City Beach.

“This is something we’ve been talking about, and we believe this will benefit the general public, especially children, and provide a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy our natural resources,” Mayor Donald Kasprzak said.

The policy would mean that smoking would not be allowed at the City Beach or any of the city’s public recreation areas.

The city will look to establish designated areas, away from the public portions of the beach and parks, for people to smoke.

“I would hope that the council will approve this and that the public appreciates the city’s efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle,” the mayor said.

“The challenge will be to make the public accept this and adhere to it, but I think this will be successful.”



STUDY OF PLANT

The council will also consider approving a $75,000 study of the potential odor, noise and aesthetic impacts from the Water Pollution Control Plant on waterfront development.

The study will be funded by a $220,000 grant from the state that will also help pay for implementing any recommendations.

Kasprzak said the study is part of the ongoing waterfront-development plans, which at one point included a hotel and conference center.

“Ultimately, our goal is to continue with development of the waterfront, with hopes of either a hotel or other options,” Kasprzak said.

“We were very fortunate to receive this grant money to continue our efforts.”

The city will match the grant with in-kind services.

Syracuse developer James Monahan was planning a hotel project at the waterfront site off Bridge Street in 2004, but the project has since stalled.

Kasprzak said City Corporation Counsel John Clute has been in contact with Monahan’s lawyer to discuss the situation, but no progress has been made.

The city revamped the area and built a large parking lot for the hotel project in 2004. The parking lot remains unused.



OTHER ACTION

The Common Council will meet at 5, with the regular meeting starting at 5:30 p.m.

Other agenda items include:

E A decision on whether to renew the contract with Plattsburgh Community Garden for use of Melissa L. Penfield Park.

E A capital project for 2010 street resurfacing and repairs.

The meeting is open to all.



E-mail Joe LoTemplio at:

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

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