Smoking neighbors — need some advice

Hi Brownstoners. I need some advice. My husband, kid, and I moved into an apartment building on Ocean Parkway a few months ago (its a rental, and many of the tenants are long-term and stabilized). Since moving in, we have discovered that many of our neighbors dispose of their cigarettes by tossing them out of their windows. I have found butts on my terrace, and the front of our building is littered with them (on the bushes, on the walkway, on the grass, everywhere). The building is otherwise pretty well maintained (its a bit down at heel, but clean). Putting aside the “yuck” factor of walking through butt central, I’m concerned about fire (I have extinguished smoldering butts on the grass/bushes a few times). I emailed the landlord and he said he would send a letter to all of the tenants, but I don’t think he did. Any advice? Many of my neighbors are Russian and I want to be sensitive to any cultural issues that may be at play here. Thanks for any feedback you might have.

By copy_gal |