Politics & Government
Patch Chat: Should Laws Regulating the Use of Leaf Blowers Be Stronger?
White Plains already bans the use of gas powered leaf blowers from June 15 to Sept. 30, should the ban be extended?
The City of White Plains has prevented the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers between June 15 and Sept. 30 for many years, but may restrict the machines usage to three months out of the year.
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach is looking to impose even stricter guidelines, in an effort to further reduce noise and environmental pollution in the city.
“We're just trying to bring things up to modern times,” said Roach. “This is not intended to be hardship for people, but a recognition that this is a loud, heavy piece of equipment used for bulk leaves, and not to be used as a repeat maintenance tool. There’s a lot of abuse [of the current law] going on.”
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According to Roach—White Plains has one of the most generous leaf blower laws, since other municipalities start their bans earlier in the year.
Roach would like to see the ban extended, and take place between May 1 and Sept. 30 and Dec. 16 to March 14. Roach says the City will also enforce decibel guidelines and look for alternative ways to reasonably enforce the law.
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“Once you start enforcing, pretty soon you won’t have to enforce anyone,” said Roach, at the June 22 special meeting of the White Plains Common Council.
Roach says that enforcement is not a tool to bring in revenue, but to bring residents into compliance with the law, and that once people hear that others are being ticket—then soon people will comply and enforcement won't be as necessary.
No legislation has been drafted, as of yet, but there will most likely be a draft before for the council to consider at their July or August meeting. The mayor says he is currently speaking with local landscaping companies, and that there will be opportunities for public comment.
What do you think?
- Should there be more restrictions on the use of leaf blowers? Why or why not?
- How do you think the leaf blower law should be enforced?
Tell us in the comments
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