WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Board of Health on Tuesday discussed how to address reports of smoking inside the senior apartments at Proprietor's Field and Highland Woods.

 

Health Inspector Ruth Russell asked the board how she should handle the complaints she has received in light of the fact that the town bylaw against smoking in multifamily housing remains in legal limbo.

 

The town does have a bylaw already on the books about smoking in workplaces, Russell noted, and it is arguable that the age-restricted housing complexes fall under that provision.

 

"I was hesitant to call it a work place," Russell said. "But there are maintenance workers in and out of there constantly, and someone pointed out that home health-care workers are coming in and out doing their job.

 

"I was wondering if I could get your opinion on whether that is the right use of this [workplace] bylaw or not."

 

The question would become moot if the Attorney General's Office signs off on a bylaw passed by May's annual town meeting banning smoking in multifamily dwellings with more than four units. Proprietor's Field and Highland Woods both would fall under the new bylaw if it is approved by the commonwealth, which has asked for more time than customarily is needed for review of town meeting actions.

 

Board of Health Chair Devan Bartels asked Russell to clarify that the complaints she was receiving came from residents and not on-site employees, and Russell said that was the case.