Let's Ban Smoking -- Really

Everyone knows smoking contributes to heart, lung and other diseases. You can see why in the picture of a healthy human lung, left, and a blackened smoker's lung. But smokers aren't the only ones affected.

Most people know secondhand smoke is harmful, too. Andy Spano knows it. He banned smoking in Westchester workplaces in 2003. The people in Pueblo, Colorado know it, too. Their 2003 ban on smoking in public places is credited with a 30% drop in heart attacks.

At Bryant Gardens, House Rule 1(b) says:

Smoking is prohibited in the public areas of the buildings, including halls, stairways, basements and laundry rooms.

But a violation of Rule 1(b) is NOT "deemed to be a violation of a substantial obligation of the tenancy of the lessee." Translation: it's not enforceable.

We know smoking is harmful. We have a ban against it in public places at Bryant Gardens. Now we need to make it real by making it a violation of the lease, and enforcing it.

And perhaps the Board of Directors should consider turning down prospective shareholders and sub-letters who smoke!