The Princeton Borough Council voted in favor of an ordinance banning smoking in the new outdoor plaza next to the Princeton Public Library.
The ordinance was passed with a 5 to 1 vote. Councilmembers were concerned by the plaza's close vicinity to the library and the heightened risk of secondhand smoke within its semi-enclosed area. Councilman David Goldfarb cast the one dissenting vote.
Other smoking restrictions in Princeton are in place at a community park on Witherspoon Street and in the immediate surroundings of Princeton High School.
Councilwoman Mildred Trotman said she voted for the ban on account of the enclosed portion of the plaza.
"I don't think [smoking] would do that much harm because it is outside, however, three sides of the plaza are somewhat closed in, and smoke might be offensive to the people in the area in the immediate vicinity of the smoker," she said. "I support the ban for that reason."
The council introduced the ordinance earlier this month with an initial vote of four to one in favor.
Councilman Roger Martindell said he supports the ban for several reasons.
"Smoking is bad for the smoker and bad for the people sitting near the smoker," he said. "Smoking also creates litter, which is unsightly, and litter costs taxpayers money to remove. The smoking is also right next to the library, which is filled with children."
Martindell said he does not want smoking near the library for the same reasons smoking near an elementary school is not allowed.
The ordinance comes at time when smoking bans have been the topic of debate in Princeton.
The University enacted a smoking ban in the dorm rooms that will take effect next fall. The New Jersey State Senate also unanimously passed a bill in March banning smoking in all college dorm rooms, which will include the Graduate College.
"I think it is well recognized in New Jersey that nonsmokers are becoming more aggressive, isolating smokers, and restricting them to certain areas," Martindell said. "This is part of that same movement."
Other members of the council agreed with Martindell.
"This will probably advance the movement," Trotman said.
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