Nyack Residents Push for Leaf Blower Restrictions

A group of Nyack residents continued to argue for putting restrictions on the use of leaf blowers at Nyack Village Trustees meeting last week. 

The group called for an adjustment to Nyack's current nose regulation code that would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer and winter and limit the times and the number of machines that can be used in the spring and fall during a discussion that at times became heated.

Resident Beth Riso presented the argument for the change, saying that unlike other machines that create noise and pollution such as trucks and chainsaws, leaf blowers are not necessary,. 

"We are slightly adjusting the noise ordinance, as requested by (Trustee) Don Hammond, to include leaf blowers," Riso said. "It would permit them to be used in the fall and early spring. We took out the part about only being used to blow leaves. We're not banning them. Please do not use the word ban, though I wish we could.

"After three years and many, many hours of time on this issue, it is time for the board to get going."

Nyack Mayor Jennifer Laird-White said it was important to note that this is a suggestion by a citizen group, not a change to local codes that the board is ready to vote on. After listening to points from both sides of the discussion, mostly against the use of leaf blowers, she suggested the creation of a committee by the trustees to look further into a solution that would take into account both sides of the issue. 

Landscaper Jay Cohen spoke against the proposed regulations. He said the limitations would be an issue for commercial properties  and enforcement would be a problem. Proponents of the change said that landscapers can do the same work with rakes, but Cohen pointed out that it is much more time consuming that way and they would have to raise prices.

"Those of us documented and licensed to do business in Rockland County are are really on a leash," Cohen said. "We are very taggable, as opposed to those who are undocumented."

Resident Laurie Donald suggested holding property owners responsible for use of leaf blowers used on their land. 

"If you make homeowners responsible for activities on their property (enforceability) wouldn't be an issue," Donald said.

Anne Putko of Piermont, who has taken on the cause of opposing leaf blower use in Orangetown and the rest of Rockland County, spoke about health issues from blowing particles in the air, such as asthma. She spoke about the quality of life issue and the health threat from the loud noise generated by leaf blowers, especially when more than one is running in close proximity. That is one reason for the focus on gas-powered leaf blowers, which are more powerful and louder than electric.

"The time for action is truly now," Putko said. "In the summer, people want to be outside. They want to enjoy their yards."

Resident John Carlo said that the trustees need to take into account those who can't use a rake. He has no use of his left  hand.

"I'm disabled," Carlo said. "I can't rake. I can't broom. How can I clean clippings up?

"I'm opposed to what is being proposed tonight. I think it is draconian. I can appreciate a reasonable limit to these things. I understand the noise effects folks. But it is too much of a limit."