Penns Grove officials propose banning smoking in Barber Avenue Park

Borough officials have introduced a new ordinance to prohibit smoking at the Barber Avenue Park in a continued effort to cleanup the park’s image. The ordinance will prohibit any smoking or use of tobacco-related products within 50 feet of the park. According to Mayor John Washington, this is the latest move by the borough to combat issues with drug use and trafficking at the park. “We don’t want any smoking in the park whatsoever,” said Washington.

“This will help us control drug trafficking and drug use at the park ... The situation there has been getting out of hand.” Borough officials said problems like drugs, vandalism and litter have been ongoing concerns at the park. The park was closed temporarily on March 29 to send a message to borough residents that the park is a privilege and residents need to treat it with respect. The park was re-opened eight days later on April 5. Officials said the borough plans to install “No Smoking” signs and security cameras at the park have been re-activated.

 Police presence will also be increased in the area of the park, said the mayor. If the park continues to present a hazard to the community, officials said it will be closed down permanently and will only be open to the community for activities hosted by the recreation department. The new “No Smoking” ordinance will be presented for public comment and voted on for final adoption during council’s next meeting on May 15.