On June 9, Community Board 7 passed a resolution that originated in the CB 7 Health Committee that encouraged owners and landlords of new, multi-family housing to create smoke-free housing units and to establish a smoke-free environment in the developments wherever possible.
This resolution is not a statement suggesting that people who smoke cannot live in these new apartments, but similar to other existing restrictions where the indoor air is shared with others, where smoking is not acceptable in those premises.
I proposed this resolution to the committee after CB 2 in Staten Island took a similar step several months ago. I commend those who supported the resolution at the full board meeting and to those who thought the resolution did not go far enough in making the public health statement that every city resident has the right to breathe smoke-free air where they reside.
Smoke-free multiple housing is the way of the future and is becoming commonplace in other parts of the country. This transition is occurring because of the recognition that non-smokers are involuntarily exposed to secondhand smoke, a recognized Class A carcinogen responsible for nearly 50,000 annual deaths.
I encourage other residents in New York City apartments to speak to their landlords, community boards and elected officials and let them know you have a right to breathe smoke-free air where you reside.
Phil Konigsberg
Bay Terrace
