Smoke-free public housing proposal in New Haven

Milford, Conn (WTNH) - There is no sign outside, but the rule is - no smoking inside the DeMaio Gardens and the 8 other public housing communities in Milford.

The ban, implemented a year ago, for economic, public safety and public health reasons has been a success.

Anthony Vasiliou, Executive Director of Milford Redevelopment & Housing Partnership, says, "In cases where we had reports, we sent letters to individuals, or we blanketed the entire building and we've also looked at more aggressive enforcement by bringing people in to counsel them and we're also looking at machines that will monitor the air quality of the building and specific apartments." 

A few tenants moved out, but most stayed put.  While the tenant makeup in Milford is more elderly, New Haven has a more varied population and the reaction is mixed on the smoke free public housing proposal.

Tatum Wallace is a smoker and says, "As long as they do not have children inside the units, I think its okay for them to smoke inside the units."

Sasha Tecpa, also a smoker says she supports it all the way. "100 percent," she said. "I think its one of best things people should do. Just for the kids safety and for other people's safety too."

Still, the Milford Health Director, is not convinced the policy will curb smoking habits.

Dr. Andrew Dennis McBride says, "I don't know of any study, I don't know of any study where this kind of policy is implemented-that has improved public health."

85-90 percent of the people who live in Milford public housing do not smoke; a major factor in creating the policy and its success.