Original article from Time Warner News

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority’s proposed smoking ban, which would ban smoking in BMHA housing developments across the city, stood up Monday to public comment. Officials say the change would make for healthier living conditions for up to 10,000 municipal housing residents.

People in attendance had mixed views about the potential change. The BMHA is taking written public comments until March 2, and will also host a public forum March 3.

“Where residents can comment on the agencies five-year plan, goals and objectives; also an opportunity for any major policy changes for the public to give their written comments,” said Dawn E. Sanders-Garrett, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority executive director.

The BMHA hopes to have a policy in place by March 17 and begin implementation by July, with full enforcement beginning in 2017. They added that there will still be zones where residents can smoke, but all new buildings added will be non-smoking homes.