Mixed Response After Montco Bans Smoking, Drones In Parks

In May, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners banned smoking and drones in county parks

The response has been mixed: some are grateful for the return of peace and serenity and clean air to the parks, others say that it is government overreach.

The immediate ban on smoking tobacco and e-cigarettes is meant to inspire the intended use of public space as a place for healthy exercise and recreation, and to protect children from second-hand smoke.

"We want to send the message to everyone not to smoke,"said Commissioner Val Arkoosh during a Commissioners meeting.

Drones will also be banned in public parks, as there have been numerous reports of the technology becoming a public safety hazard. In addition to accidents, commissioners noted that individuals have also been chasing wildlife with drones.

Drones are very likely to disrupt migratory patterns, according to the Audubon Society, and some birds of prey view drones with hostility, leading to drone destruction.

One small area in Green Lane Park will be set aside for individuals to fly drones.

During their Thursday meeting, the Commissioners also agreed to ban smoking in the county's 616 public housing units. Residents must move 25 feet away from the building to smoke, and the commissioners said they would be adopting a "three strike policy" before evicting residents for violating the new code.

The ban on smoking in public housing begins July 1. Nearby counties, including Chester County, already ban smoking on their properties.