For those who monitor city meetings, every afternoon this week is taken up with budget workshops, but in-between there are other meetings of interest.
- On Monday, October 4, the Tourism Board meets at 7:00 p.m. Click here to join the meeting.
- On Tuesday, October 5, the Conservation Advisory Council meets at 6:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting includes twelve reports from CAC members on such topics as the Urban Forestry Inventory, plans for Arbor Day, a proposed idling resolution, efforts to limit plastic takeout containers, and an urban alternative energy initiative. Click here to access the Zoom meeting.
- On Wednesday, October 6, the Hudson Industrial Development Agency (IDA) meets at 1:00 p.m. On the agenda for the meeting is an application from PBF Hudson LLC for exemptions from sales tax on materials and the mortgage recording tax and a ten-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The proposed redevelopment of the Pocketbook Factory is estimated to cost $25.6 million. The benefits sought amount to $1,319,479: sales tax exemption ($800,000); mortgage recording tax exemption ($478,979); PILOT agreement ($112,500). Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
- Also on Wednesday, October 6, the Common Council Legal Committee meets at 6:00 p.m. Ongoing discussion of proposed legislation regarding sidewalks and inclusionary zoning are sure to be on the agenda. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
- On Thursday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m., Mayor Kamal Johnson holds a public hearing on three proposed laws the Common Council has voted to enact: the law amending parking meter laws; the "good cause" eviction law; the law amending the current ban on smoking in city parks to include vaping and the use of any and all tobacco products. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
- On Friday, October 8, the Historic Preservation Commission meets at 10:00 a.m. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
It isn't unusual to see DPW workers smoking while on the job. Two weeks ago while a DPW crew of 5 removed the fences around the 7th street park fountain, I watched as a worker pulled a tin of chewing tobacco from his pocket, placed a wad in his mouth and began spitting the juice on the ground while doing his job in the public park. Patrons smoking in the park is not uncommon and HPD appears to not be concerned with this issue or the rule against smoking. Cigarette butts abound on the ground. Even with the code update, don't expect this to change a thing.
ReplyDeleteAs the author of the original law that banned tobacco smoking in City parks, I am both surprised and appalled at the fact that a) a bill designed to restrict citizens' rights wasn't the subject of any write-ups I saw here or in the RS, and b) a bill designed to restrict citizens' rights in a undertaking that has no negative consequences for third parties would be proposed, debated(?) and passed without any notice.
ReplyDeleteBanning cigarette smoking in City parks was based on the science surrounding second-hand smoke and the plethora of butts in its shadow (as it were). Vaping may have some second-hand implications though the science is sparse and unclear according to the scientists. Other uses of tobacco (chewing, dipping, snorting) have no such second-hand implications. Are they harmful to the user? Probably. But they're legal substances being used in a legal manner. And they're not hurting anyone. Moreover, how is such a law to be policed? Any policy analyst (none of whom are either on or available to the City Council) will tell you that an unenforceable law is worse than no law at all as its mere existence belittles the state's ability to command respect for its other laws.
I shouldn't be surprised that this dumpster fire of a city government would advance such a meaningless, pointless and unnecessary limitation on its citizens' rights while the City faces several dire problems that actually exist. A parliament of fools.
According to Ed Moore, sleeping or resting on park benches is a violation (though I have not looked it up in the City Code). Should that be scrapped, too, because it "isn't hurting anyone?" No bicycling is allowed in any Hudson public park. No glass bottles allowed in the parks, either. Dumb rules? Unenforceable? Not hurting anyone? Unconstitutional?
DeleteHow about if you have a chain smoking neighbor who smokes on their back porch right next to your bedroom window and clouds of smoke drift inside. Can you do anything about that?
DeleteWith respect to enforcement, I suggest a bounty policy similar to the one recently enacted in Texas. If this is implemented, revenue generated to the city will dwarf that brought in by parking violations.
ReplyDeleteAnd now comes the pot question.
ReplyDeleteTom, do not forget that the kettle will be there too .
ReplyDeleteAs for smoking on the back porch. All you have to do is close the window.
ReplyDelete