Smoking At Morristown Parks? Town Will Try To Eliminate It

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Sometimes, something stinks at Morristown parks, according to members of Morristown's Town Council. Officials are looking into ways to prevent the smoking of cigarettes and cannabis in the parks.

Council Member Tawanna Cotten brought up the issues at Tuesday's Town Council meeting.

"I am concerned for our children and seniors, as well as non-smokers," Cotten said. "That’s not just for marijuana. It’s also for cigarette smoke. I don’t think there should be smoking at any park."

The state's Smoke-Free Air Act ensures that nonsmokers, including children, can breathe smoke-free air in public spaces. But the law was passed in 2006. Town Administrator Jillian C. Barrick noted that the law more clearly addresses tobacco smoke, since cannabis hadn't been legalized upon its passing.

The state's recent legislation, which legalized adult use of recreational cannabis, still bans smoking weed in public spaces though. But the law doesn't list the consequences, Council President Stefan Armington said.

Some towns have made the bans explicit by creating their own park-centered laws.

"There are approximately 225 municipalities in the state of New Jersey that have adopted some type of smoke-free park ordinance," Armington said. "We don’t have that yet. I think that’s probably consistent with Councilwoman Cotten’s desires."

In the interim, police will continue intervening on quality-of-life issues in parks, Barrick said. The intent is for police to ensure the public can enjoy the parks rather than apply punishments, she said.

But Barrick is working with the town attorney to draft legislation in the near future.

Watch the full council meeting below:

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