Garden City Considering Leaf Blower Ban

GARDEN CITY, NY — The village is considering a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, which could lead to quieter days around Garden City.

The Board of Trustees said it received a lot of input from the community about the environmental and health impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers, which was reviewed at a special meeting on Feb. 1. The village's Environmental Advisory Board recommended a seasonal ban on the blowers, which would be in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Many communities on Long Island already have seasonal bans on gas-powered blowers, including the Town of North Hempstead, Roslyn, East Hampton, South Hampton and Huntington.

“I support the work of the Environmental Advisory Board and the efforts of Trustee Mary Carter Flanagan in presenting their research, findings and recommendations,” Mayor Cosmo Veneziale said. “I am also in favor of banning and limiting the use of gas-fueled leaf blowers to the greatest extent possible to improve our environment. The health, safety and welfare of our residents is paramount.”

The ban has not been voted on by the board yet. The board is expected to hold a public hearing about the proposal at its meeting on Feb. 15.