Editor: I live at 615 Belmont (in Belmont Tower). There is a small smoke shop immediately outside the entrance to our lobby. The covered area entrance to our lobby is a favourite for smokers to gather while playing the online games visible on the screen inside the smoke shop. We frequently have to pass by the smokers just to enter our lobby.
But an even bigger concern has to be the parklet on Belmont Street, just outside of Tim's and Burger King. It clearly has become a "smokers' pit" in spite of "no smoking" signs (which are not enforced). Cigarette butts and fast food junk litter the area. Cigarette smoke is always there.
We had welcomed the parklet as a nice addition to the urban landscape, but I am afraid it has become something no one had intended. Simply put, it is a refuge for smokers to hang out.
The areas seem not to be monitored or patrolled by any business in the block. Also, I have never seen staff from any of the businesses make any clean-up efforts. Where is the responsibility of pride in one's neighbourhood?
Jerry Mandoli, New Westminster
