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THIS IS WHAT MANY RESIDENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT LEAF BLOWER BAN
Release Date: April 10, 2019

Have received many comments about a leaf blower ban. These are the responses I received. I deleted names and e mail addresses. 

The Town Board will discuss.

PAUL FEINER

 

From: Cynthia Adamson
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 10:48 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: leaf blowers 2019 no names

 

 

Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 11:22 AM
To:
Cc: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: Gas Leaf Blowers

 

Whereas a total ban on gas blowers would be an ideal situation, it would not be practical because many of the landscapers are small businesses that might not be able to afford a changeover.  As what happened when yard clippings had to be bagged, in many cases, the extra costs will be passed on to the homeowners.  In addition, would banning gas powered lawn mowers be next?  Personally, I would welcome it, but you have to take into consideration the overall picture.  Also, if you make things too restrictive, would the number of landscapers who would want to work here be reduced?

 

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 7:33 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

   I do not support this one bit.  As someone who does all his own lawn work I believe people should have the right (as we currently do) to care for their own property as they see fit when they want and how they want.  If my neighbor wants to use battery powered equipment then so be it they can use battery operated equipment.  Why should someone else be forced to do so?  If a homeowner wants their landscaper to use battery powered equipment then so be it, let them request that.  Do not force my landscaper to have to do the same.  People already have the option to switch if they want.  Its also lawnmower season....are we going to ban gas mowers?  What about weed wackers?  Hedge trimmers?  What happens with my current gas powered blower?  Throw it out with garbage collection on a random Monday or will I be inconvenienced and forced to bring it somewhere for recycling?  By banning gas powered anything you will also be forcing people to go buy new equipment.  How is that fair?  What about people who cant afford to buy the much more expensive battery operated equipment?  Or the people who cant afford the guaranteed increased charges of landscaping services if such a ban went into place?  Gas powered equipment has been around since the 1950’s and it has never bothered anyone until now? This is just another example of how people in todays society want to force their way of life on everyone else.  

 

  Time restrictions would be a compromise I would support however.  No use before 10AM and after 6:00PM Monday through Friday, no use before Noon and after 5 Saturday and Sunday.  People and landscapers need to have the ability to get the job(s) done.

 

   Proper landscaping technique and care is something I am very passionate about.  I take great pride in my property and the way it looks.  A ban on gas powered equipment eliminates a basic human right.....choice!  

 

Regards

From:

Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 9:53 AM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Gas powered leaf blowers

 

I do not support banning them but do support enforcing the times they can be used. I think weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 to 3:00 and no Sundays. I think it's important to note not all machines are used by professionals. Many homeowners use them as well.

Thanks for soliciting opinions.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 10:13 AM
To:
Cc: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: Gas Leaf Blowers

 

Curtail use. If need to use on weekends, should be late afternoon

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 10:43 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Gas Leaf Blowers

 

We do not support a ban on gas leaf blowers since they are not done at odd hours and it has not had an impact on our quality of life. 

 From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 8:19 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Hi,

Do not ban gas powered leaf blowers. I would be ok with time restrictions on use but since I do not use a landscaping company I do all my leaf blowing on weekends.

If you’re going to ban/restrict gas powered leaf blowers what about gas powered lawn mowers? Or gas powered snow blowers? Even gas powered weed whackers?

 

 

https://d19rpgkrjeba2z.cloudfront.net/32e2c082ba190ab9/static/nextdoorv2/images/avatars/avatar-j.png

 

 

 

 

 

No Mr. Feiner.
The best approach I feel would be to
1 Only use 4 cycle engine equipment
LESS POLLUTING.

2. Limit hours of use
Monday to Friday 9:30 to 4 PM
Satirday. 10 am to 3pm
Sunday. prohibited.

 

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 5:31 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc:
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Maybe zone certain areas for it. It doesn't make any sense up near ridge Rd. I can't even hear the blowers from the house next door.

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 5:49 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul

I own a gas blower and do my own property!

Without it, my yard work would be unbearable!

Electric blowers can be just as loud!

Maybe limiting days/hours of operation is a reasonable compromise?

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 5:49 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Gas vs. Electric Leaf Blowers

 

Dear Paul:

 

Gas Leaf Blowers:

 

Get the job done faster / windspeed 150 + mph  /   mobile  /   more noisy yes

Electric Leaf Blowers:

More difficult to use with cord / windspeed 50 to 100 mph  / still makes some noise and for a longer time period

Note:

I saw Gas Blowers were being used to clean up around town hall last week. 

Question / Points:

What about golf courses? School grounds? Greenburgh Housing Authority? Town parks and other properties?  What is DPW's opinion for them switching to battery operated blowers from gas?

 

Cannot compare different environments with small Village of  Scarsdale with large Town of Greenburgh in my opinion.

Possible increase of prices to homeowners by contract landscapers since raking will replace a lot of blowing.

 

Not a good topic during election year except to regulate hours of use and perhaps outlaw Sunday operations.. Expect some blow back and possible legal challenge. Please review.

 

Regards,

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 6:23 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I suggest 9AM to 5PM, with no Sunday.

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Good afternoon, Paul.

 

Yes, it is the season and landscapers have started cleaning up yards.  I understand the noise, but residents need to stop complaining about this issue.  Interesting, do they complain about snow blowers in the winter too?  These landscapers are only trying to make a living and to provide a service to the residents.   

 

I believe there is a noise requirement provision already in place but I can't remember the times/days of the week they need to follow.  I think this is sufficient and if anyone feels that the landscaper in their neighborhood is not in compliance of these times allowed by the Town, maybe Paul, you can provide them with a number to call and place their complaint.  

 

Looking at Scarsdale, I don't think instituting a new law banning gas powered blowers worked for them.  Landscapers continue to use them and quite frankly probably because they are more powerful and/or they can't afford to replace their existing equipment.  I don't think the Town should be making money and penalizing the landscapers who work very hard during this season to make money to provide for their families.  It's a tough job and the season is not very long.  Residents need to learn to be more tolerant and use their energy some where else instead of complaining about noise from a leaf blower.      

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 10:22 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: An open ended ban on leaf blowers is a bad idea

 

Paul,

 

I expect the noise from leaf blowers and other gas powered equipment is particularly upsetting to people living in family homes in residential neighborhoods where lot sizes are relatively small so that noise on a neighbors property is offensive to other neighbors.  However, on larger lots, 1 acre or more, much of the noise is dissipated given the distance between residences.  Also, Greenburgh is not lacking in deciduous trees which drop their leaves in the Fall. 

 

Given these facts, a ban on all leaf blowers and other gas powered equipment is inappropriate if applied to homeowners use of such gas powered equipment on their own premises.  On our 1 acre plus lot we have 25 plus deciduous trees, the leave from which I gather with gas powered leaf blowers and then mulch with a gas powered leaf shredder.  The shredded leaves are then placed on our flower beds as mulch.  We have a huge number of leaves each Fall; when the Town was picking up leaves, my pile was 15 feet wide and at least 25 feet long and probably 5 feet high.  These tasks could not be completed, given the size of the property and the number of trees involved if I could not use this gas powered equipment.  Similarly I cut my lawn with a gas powered lawn tractor and remove snow from my 125 foot long driveway with a gas powered snow blower.  I could complete neither of these tasks without the use of gas powered equipment.

 

Given these considerations, gas powered lawn and yard equipment should be allowed by owners of larger parcels at such times as is convenient for the home owner.   Any time limitation on my ability to gather leaves during the Fall months would further impede my ability to keep my property in a neat condition.  Furthermore, once a limitation is placed on gas powered leaf blowers is adopted, the Town will be on a slippery slope to ban the use of other gas powered equipment, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and related equipment.

 

A ban such as Scarsdale's, running from June 1 to September 30 is hardly the time of year when extensive leaf blowing occurs.  As one who must use gas powered equipment to blow leaves, most Spring cleanup occurs before June 1 and most Fall cleanup occurs after September 30.  Obviously, such a ban is going to have limited impact on the use of allegedly noisy gas powered equipment.

 

Kindly advise me if any proposal to ban the use of gas powered equipment progresses through the Town Board.  I will be opposed to any restrictions on the use of such equipment which impedes my continued enjoyment of my

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 10:26 PM
To:
Cc: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I do my own leafs and have a gas backpack blower,electric or battery powered are not strong enough, I paid a lot for this blower. I would love to still be able to use this gas blower. There are to many trees in our location in the fall when the leafs fall it would take me much longer to do if I were to use a electric or battery blower.

If the landscaper have to buy new equipment they will just pass the cost to there customers.

I say do not pass

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:18 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Good day Paul,

 

I don’t consider this to be a large enough nuisance that a ban is warranted – however if people do feel strongly about it I wouldn’t mind a partial ban that limits them to Mon – Fr, 9am-5pm.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I do think they are terribly noisy but you may want to discuss this idea with Miguel of Labriola’s crew and see if the non-gas powered ones work well enough to substitute for the gas blowers in the hands of professionals.  You know the number of leaves that fall at Boulder Ridge, can you imagine what it would look like with inefficient blowers?  You simply cannot keep all the people happy all of the time.  I think Bob Dylan said that !!

 

Thanks

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

I do NOT support a ban on any type of blower. However I am in favor on limiting the time. Monday through Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 12-3pm Sunday - NO

 

People have to make a living and time is money. gas powered blowers are faster and better and the added noise is worth the time for clean up. I have allergies and I use this to remove as much pollen as possible from my home. 

 

You want quiet, move to the country. I understand this is the suburbs but without blowers it would be a mess. And power washers fall into the same exact category. 

 

Just my 2 cents - And as always you are doing an amazing job!!! 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:28 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

No!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I am against this law. Most leaf blowing is done M-F when 80% of the people are at work and not home. Electric would not work for me I would need 300 feet of electric cords maybe more to do my yard and they are not as powerful (Electric Blower). Battery power very weak and again batteries die and landscapers have no way to recharge during their work day probably need 12 to 15 batteries per leaf blower for a 10 hour day and replace every year. 

Should 10% of the people determine what the other 90% that have no issues be punished with ugly yards or forced to pay more. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

I am one of the many residents that relies on a gasoline powered leaf blower and lawn mower for my own landscaping purposes. We already ban leaf blowers during certain times of the year, personally I think it is a waste of time and resources to even begin to attempt to further the existing ban. To the Scarsdale experience, the professional landscapers will continue using their gas blowers regardless so what are we actually gaining? Those same landscapers also use gas lawnmowers as it makes the most sense from their operating perspective. Batteries have advanced but unfortunately, they are still not where the technology should be to eliminate the need for gas equipment. Those gas lawnmowers are just as loud as the leafblowers, I think the current restrictions around mowing and leafblowing using gas equipment are more than sufficient.

 

Also, is the town prepared to pay for the equipment residents can no longer use and have to replace as a result of this proposed ban?


Thanks for raising the point and I hope that both sides of this issue are accounted for. These days it seems that a small but very vocal minority is all that is needed to implement legislation. Thank you for having the foresight to reach out and get some real world data from Scarsdale to support what many times are just opinions.

 

Best Regards,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:03 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

No. And from the attached comments it seems like it didn't do much good other than raise revenue for the town. Basically everyone in small lots is going to love it, and everybody in large lots will hate it. You're just polarizing people more.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

I find the idea of completely banning gas powered leaf blowers during peak landscaping months to be ridiculous for a number of reasons. However, what might make more sense would be to ban use between 7pm and 8am - essentially, during the hours when people are sleeping and the noise would be an issue.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:50 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I would personally be opposed to any law that disincentives homeowners from maintaining their properties. I think we should be finding ways to encourage homeowners to take care of their properties because we all benefit when our neighbor's properties look nice. I understand the issue with noise but I think the existing town ordinances already do an adequate job of keeping noise under control during the morning and evening hours. Perhaps the town can encourage residents to buy electric in a mass town email.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:54 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

I work from home and have to hear them around me. Noisy, yes but the alternatives aren’t viable from my standpoint. 

 

First, electricity here is way expensive, more than we paid in Massachusetts. So, where are they going to plug the blowers in? I’m already paying for the service, I’m not paying for the electricity too. Battery powered are nice, we have one. But, the batteries run down quickly and take forever to charge. It would require them to have a van full of batteries. 

 

Limit the time. After 9 on weekends and after 8 during the week. They should stop by 4 PM. 

 

Just my opinion,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:00 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS-...........

 

Absolutely NOT

Leave as is....  old folks got nothing better to do than complain

Catch you later & be well !!!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:16 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Dear Paul,

I think the rest of Greenburgh should have the same law as Scarsdale when the rest of Greenburgh is as rich as the people in Scarsdale.

 

This is from a February 2019 Journal News article. Are you really comparing Scarsdale to the rest of Greenburgh?

 

The village of Scarsdale came in as No. 2 on the list, with a reported $417,335 in average household annual income. 

 

I am also wondering what would happen to all the gas powered leaf blowers that need to get thrown out.

 

Sincerely,

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:19 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf blower ban

 

NO!  Too many inconvenient rules and regs. If you had a house, not a condo where everything is done for you, you might not think making the gardeners do this would be a good idea! We pay them lots of money and they already charge extra to take leaves because they are charged.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

I do not support a ban. However, the blowers, regardless of type, should be limited to certain times during the week. Ex. Not before 9:00 AM and NO weekends.

 

Thank you.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:12 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Perhaps banning the use of gasoline powered blowers and lawnmowers Sat. & Sun.  would be an idea to look into….

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:16 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Paul

 

Seems to me that there are some adverse consequences to a gas blower ban. Many of us use landscapers as I am sure Scarsdale homeowners do as well. Do you know what impact the ban had there? Did landscapers comply without increasing fees for new equipment? If they use electric blowers where do they connect them? Not everyone has outdoor outlets. I also do not know if battery operated blowers are powerful enough to do the same job.

 

I do agree that the noise is an issue so would probably support time limits but the only drawback there enforcement. Present noise regulations are routinely ignored, I suspect due to lack of consequences.

 

Sorry, no solutions to offer, but some things to consider.

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:17 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Should Greenburgh ban gas leaf blowers? Absolutely not.

 

The power source is irrelevant. The town has a noise ordinance which should be enforced, and that is enough. Electric blowers produce a higher pitched sound which is a lot more annoying and carries further than a gas blower, but the only reasonable criterion is sound level outside the property being treated.

 

Banning loud noises, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, construction noise, etc. during certain hours when people are likely to be sleeping is reasonable, but living in a community needs to imply tolerance for other people's needs, including the need to maintain property.

 

Personally, I'd be very happy with a loud noise ban from about seven PM to about ten AM every day, but lawn mowers, leaf blowers, jack hammers, garbage trucks, and other necessary but noisy activities are a part of living in a suburb in the same way smells are a part of living near a farm.

 

This is a clear case of over regulation, IMNSHO.

 

I happen to have a gas powered leaf blower that makes about the same amount of noise as my lawn mower, and gets used about two or three hours PER YEAR, always in the middle of the day, and I can see no justification for telling me I can't use it if I can still mow my lawn, and I can see no justification for telling me I can't mow my lawn.

 

This is one of the more ridiculous proposals I've seen floated over the years.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:19 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Gas Powered Blowers

 

Dear Paul:

 

Better talk to DPW and Recreation / Parks Dept.. They use gas powered blowers and as you may know and if a new law is enacted than it will effect them as well. No one individual or agency is above the law!

 

Gas powered blowers are used to clean up shopping centers as well. Often used to blow away snow in winter time.

 

Please review.

 

Regards,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:22 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Really?  When I had my house, I had both an electric and gas-powered leaf blower.  They both made the same amount of noise.  If noise is the problem, why is it fixed on gas powered when other technologies make the same noise?  If noise is the issue, then it should be limited in the hours--i.e. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday.  These are the hours when most people are up, so the noise wouldn't be such a hardship.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:35 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

My wife and I do NOT support a total ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, though we appreciate the need for reasonable time limits.  

 

There is a reason why professionals choose gas over electric.  The job is done faster, which means the task is over quicker, the landscaper moves on faster, and I don't have to pay more money for slower service, delivered by battery-powered blowers that still emit sounds at 65dbs, but are only 60-80% as effective.  

 

Do I now have to tolerate a slower job, that causes them to hang around longer making (still fairly loud) noise, while I pay more for the service, while also making sure I have exterior outlets for them to use if needed?  Will these landscapers now have to carry arrays of backup batteries and/or portable generators to recharge them remotely??  I would be much more supportive of placing limits on use - such as restricting to certain allowable times of day or certain days of the week. 

 

Further, can we be more careful with the tantalizing wording of emails like this? It first reads like you are proposing a total ban, when in fact you are likely proposing a summertime ban. 

 

On the other hand, if you are indeed proposing a year-round ban, including when we are inundated with leaves in Oct/Nov.... then who is going to take care of the 60 bags of leaves that fall on my lawn each year?  Perhaps the person who proposed these excessive rules in the first place.  I look forward to seeing you out on my lawn in October Paul, rake in hand, ready to sacrifice your weekends for the greater good.

 

Sincerely,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:42 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

I don't agree with banning leaf blowers.  Residents need to work with their contractors to make changes as needed.  There is essentially no "leaf" blowing from June to September anyway (no leaves) but blowing of grass clippings and other debris off walkways.  Residents can ask their contractors to use a lower power which will be quieter and is still effective for this type of cleaning.  Has anyone told their contractor to take this action? This will slow their work somewhat but not a significant change.  It's probably healthier for them  but they are too busy hurrying to think about it.  Also, working with neighbors to schedule contractors so that they don't all arrive at the same time will decrease the noise level.   

 From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:50 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf Blower Law Input

 

Dear Paul,

 

I don’t think banning gas-powered leaf blowers is in the best interest of Town residents. While it may be counter intuitive to welcome noise of any kind, the noise comes with the benefit of contributing to keeping our town beautiful.

 

I own a high quality battery powered leaf-blower to clean up my yard in-between visits from my landscaper and for all practical purposes it can’t even complete one job on a full charge. Electric corded blowers are also impractical most large yards. Neither of these options is noiseless. So banning the only practical solution is only going to lead to the landscapers using it anyway (as has happened in Scarsdale), getting fined and finding a way to pass on the increased costs to residents.

 

Restricting the time when landscapers can work will have the same effect because landscaping is a low-margin, high-volume business - restriction on time (volume) will lead to residents now having to compete to be scheduled during those approved times and will have to pay more to ‘win’ the time slot (landscapers will shift to a higher margin, lower volume business model for the Town of Greenburgh).

 

Regards,

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:13 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Cc: MARITZA <mkrb@optimum.net>

Subject: Leafblowers

 

Paul, I don’t support battery powered leaf blowers. I’ve tried them. They are cheaply made, don’t work very efficiently, and only operate for a limited time.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:20 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

This is in principle a good idea, but electric blowers are not very efficient. Anyone with a large property like ours (we have 2 acres and over 50 deciduous trees, our neighbors also) just can’t do without blowers, as much as we dislike them. However, limiting usage to certain hours, certain days of the week, by property size (maybe) would go a long way in mitigating the noise problem. 

 

On a different note, I am wondering if you have a tally for the GCSD survey that you sent out? Would you mind sharing the results with me and Lorraine? We managed to get 61 responses to the online survey. I could send you those results as well. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul, 

 

I don't think that the Town should ban gas powered leaf blowers.  Commercial (Landscape Companies)  use should be restricted to the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00PM Monday to Friday, with no use permitted on weekends.  Residential  users should be restricted to same hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM  Monday to Friday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.  

 

Note: When Scarsdale states that the fines issued to landscapers are considered the cost of doing business, it should be understood that the final cost is passed on to the consumer. Scarsdale residents may be better positioned then Greenburgh Residents to pay these additional passed along costs. 

 

P.S. Also, next the town will be banning gas powered lawn mowers. I would like to see some emails coming out from your office on proposals to reduce the onerous property taxes. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

The homeowner ends up eating the additional cost. Lousy idea. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:45 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul:

 

Thank you for your email. 

 

I live in the unincorporated part of Greenburgh. 

I do not favor a ban on gas powered blowers. Firstly, it would be difficult to enforce.  Secondly if, as with Scarsdale’s ban, landscapers consider fines associated with enforcement the “cost of doing business,” I suspect those same landscapers will pass on those costs to town residents in the form of increased landscaping fees. The bottom line: Noise won’t be significantly controlled or reduced, landscapers will charge more, and residents will pay more. Not very many winners here. 

 

I’d prefer limiting the use of leaf blowers/lawn mowers - in fact, all types of gas OR battery/electric gardening maintenance equipment - to specific days/hours. At least town residents would know when to expect this noise, and be able plan their days accordingly. I’d recommend including one weekend day though, since residents who work during the week, and do their own mowing etc., would need a Saturday OR Sunday to do it. Allowing use of this machinery on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10:00-4:00 pm, (or a similarly limited alternate schedule) might be a good compromise. 

 

Enforcement might be easier too, since complaints about landscapers/residents working outside of the proscribed days/hours would be handled simply as noise complaints, rather than having to determine whether someone was illegally using gas-powered equipment. 

 

If something like this is enacted, I’d recommend an initial 60-day period in which violators are given warnings rather than fines. After that, fines  increase with each violation. Fines for landscapers would be twice as much as those for a resident. 

 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this issue. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:48 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Landscaper should be allowed to use gas powered leaf blowers as it is the business an$ they usual do their work from 9-3.  Residence should not.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:59 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Banning gas powered leaf blower

 

I do not support a ban unless we have a majority of residents that want this. Here are some
of my thoughts -

I agree that the noise is a bit loud. I worked from home yesterday and if I was in a conf call, it would be annoying.
It lasted about 15 mins. When they went next door, it became a hum. Closing the window will help a bit and
you can open them back up when they leave. They are doing something I no longer want to do, I don't complain.
This is once a week, not every day.

If my lawn company have to defray the cost of getting new battery operated or electric blowers by increasing
my monthly bill, then no. Scarsdale can afford price increase, I cannot when my property and school tax
deduction just got hammered off my tax return. And where would they plug their electric blower cord into -
my outside outlets - so now I'm paying for their electric use also ?

For some of us that are not normally home, myself included, the noise is a non-issue. What percentage
of residents are calling ? 5%, 25%, 75% ?

Perhaps the residents can work with their lawn maintenance company to schedule the blowing outside
the time they are watching Jude Judy, Oprah, or whatever the activity is, the noise is interfering with.
Alternatively, they can search out one of the lawn companies that service the village of Scarsdale today.
Limiting the use to certain time of the day does not sound realistic. These companies start out at 9am
and work up to 5pm during Spring, Summer and Fall, so outside of this window, they would have to
rake by hand ? What american workers will want to do this, when we are going to ban further immigrants
from coming over the border to take on these kinds of jobs ?

I own a old Toro electric leaf blower, and also have a battery operated portable chain saw.
I believe as the industry develop more energy efficient battery operated blowers, and these become more
cost effective, lawn companies will end up moving to these solutions on their own.

Regards.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:15 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Gas Blowers

 

It would be a big mistake to outlaw gas blowers.  I am totally against banning them.

From:
Sent: 4/3/2019 3:48:52 PM Eastern Standard Time
Subject: Re: Fwd: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

Hello
I would rather listen to 15 minutes of a gas powered leaf blower than 30 minutes of an electric or battery powered one.
Forcing lawn servicemen to use an electric or battery powered leaf blower will only force them to raise their prices.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 3:13 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

While I absolutely hate the noise from the blowers I am not in favor of regulating every move we make.  Perhaps the use of blowers could be only between certain hours.  What is the cost to these companies to have to replace their equipment—it will ultimately be passed on to consumers.

From:
To:
Cc: pfeiner@greenburghny.com
Sent: 4/3/2019 11:21:38 AM Eastern Standard Time
Subject: Re: Gas Leaf Blowers

Whereas a total ban on gas blowers would be an ideal situation, it would not be practical because many of the landscapers are small businesses that might not be able to afford a changeover.  As what happened when yard clippings had to be bagged, in many cases, the extra costs will be passed on to the homeowners.  In addition, would banning gas powered lawn mowers be next?  Personally, I would welcome it, but you have to take into consideration the overall picture.  Also, if you make things too restrictive, would the number of landscapers who would want to work here be reduced?

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 1:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Gas powered blowers

 

Dear Paul,

We are not in favor of a ban on gas powered leaf blowers because it will increase the cost of landscaping/maintenance to homeowners.  

Gas powered blowers are far more cost efficient for landscapers to operate than electric blowers.  They are powerful, so they cover more ground in a shorter time, and require no infrastructure to operate. Therefore landscapers can go from one home to another on the same street, or in the same neighborhood, making it more efficient for them to cluster their customers and less expensive for those customers.

Electric blowers on the other hand, are not commonly used by landscapers (because they are not cost effective) and require a significant upfront investment to buy the blower, batteries and power stations.  This will unquestionably be passed on to homeowners in the form of higher fees.    

You already increased landscaping costs to homeowners several years ago with your elimination of leaf collection services.  The additional cost you pushed onto homeowners greatly exceeded the small incremental cost savings to the town in aggregate – yet you pushed this through without real deep support across the town.  This kind of leadership must stop. This is one of the many reasons Edgemont wants to incorporate. 

I know that you are trying to be responsive to citizen complaints and concerns, but it is not wise to move to create legislation without robust public review and outreach, or without gathering real facts or views of the majority.  Specifically, how many people have complained?  Was it because of the seasonal change and the fact that landscapers do extensive clean up at this time of year, requiring more blowers to be used, sometimes in tandem, to clear winter debris?  In a few weeks, this extensive use will dissipate and things will quiet down.  

Another explanation is perhaps people are not used to hearing blowers given the quiet of the winter season, so the noise seems louder and more pervasive in comparison.  Please look into the situational and seasonal patterns before you launch into this kind of pursuit of imposing new legislation.

The statistics from Scarsdale show that compliance is costly and spotty, landscapers clearly have a preference for gas blowers, and the problems are not resolved by such legislation.  They just pay the fines and increase their rates to homeowners.

We suggest that a more practical and thoughtful solution would be imposing a limited hours ban, say not before 8am and not after 6pm weekdays and not before 9am on weekends.  But don’t lose sight of the fact that electric blowers make noise too and are not an answer unto themselves.

For these reasons, we strongly oppose the idea of a ban on gas blowers.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 11:43 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Paul,

 

My opinion on the leaf blower law is to leave it alone. The cost to landscapers to change over to other power sources will only be passed along to the consumer. 

No Mr. Feiner. The best approach I feel would be to 1 Only use 4 cycle engine equipment LESS POLLUTING. 2. Limit hours of use Monday to Friday 9:30 to 4 PM Satirday. 10 am to 3pm Sunday. prohibited.

 

2 Thanks

Ty Tan

 

 

, Ardsley·12h ago

I do not think we should follow the lead of Scarsdale at all. If we ban the gas leaf blower then what should we also ban the gas mower ? The noise of those tools coming from your neighbor usually lasts about an hour or even less. So just be friendly to your neighbor that's it take. Perhaps we should limit the hours of use from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

 

2 Thanks

Todd Wilson

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·10h ago

I’d vote yes. Electric blowers are fine when needed — I use one. There’s also an amazing device called a rake. Noise pollution is a real issue. I work at home a few days a week and it’s amazing how much of the day is punctuated by the drone of gas-powered blowers.

 

1 Thank

Frank Hariton

 

 

, Dobbs Ferry·10h ago

It is not leaf blower season, that is the fall. There is yard clean up, but that is a one time thing. When the winter's debris is taken care of it ends. How many residents have contacted you about this recently? When the Town ended curbside leaf pick up, my landscaper started charging me $200 a year to take the leaves away. So the Town saved a little and theoretically my taxes were lowered, but I paid may times more.

 

3 Thanks

Carol Lambos

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·10h ago

I don't believe there is an appreciable different between the electric and gas blowers with regard to noise. However, the gas blowers are much more efficient and do the job much faster. The time the gas blowers are permitted is so limited that a further ban is not necessary.

 

2 Thanks

Todd Wilson

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·9h ago

My neighbor's lawn services use gas blowers everytime they mow, so it's not just a one-time thing. Interesting story on the topic in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/04/james-fallows-leaf-blower-ban/583210/

 

Ni Th

 

 

, Dobbs Ferry·9h ago

What is gonna be after that. Electric blower ban, raking ban, hedge trimmers ban. Come on guys. Deal with it. Don’t be so sensitive.

 

3 Thanks

Christina Nakraseive

 

 

, Hastings-on-Hudson·9h ago

Blowers are noxious in many ways but gas blowers are the worst. Banning them would reduce air pollution and be a first step toward limiting the untoward effects of blowers in general.

 

1 Thank

Helene Rothstein

 

 

, Dobbs Ferry·9h ago

Dobbs Ferry bans them for certain months and it certainly helps with air pollution and noise. Not all of the landscaping/lawn care companies abide by the regulation, but the police will issue a warning if they catch them in the act.

 

Dan Weinfeld

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·Edited 6h ago

i use an electric blower myself - not as loud as gas but still annoying. It took me an hour this past Saturday to clean up, while my neighbor's gardeners arrived with two ear-shattering gas blowers and took about 10 minutes for the same size property. Any philosophers want to opine on who is the better neighbor? If noise and pollution are the issue, nothing is worse than the roar of two or three gas powered mowers per property revving all day long, especially from May through July twice a week.

 

2 Thanks

Jennifer Frain

 

 

, Edgemont·6h ago

Banning gas blowers will cause landscapers to purchase new equipment and then that cost will be passed on to us - I already pay way too much!

 

3 Thanks

 

, Hartsdale Ave·6h ago

How about the town of greenburgh do our yards, And they can pick which ever method they want we pay enough taxes

 

3 Thanks

Marina Langer

 

 

, Greater Northfield·Edited 5h ago

I do not support this law or at least allow it on weekdays. I don’t understand what the problem is, so they make noise, so what? People are becoming too sensitive. What’s next, the lawn mowers, most of them are gas powered and make just as much noise. People, get a life! Stop regulating every little thing! I would agree for any noisy activity should not start at 7 or 8 AM and not continue past 6pm but otherwise noises are part of life!!!

 

1 Thank

Jacob Oennerfors

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·5h ago

Some facts about leaf blowers (Sources at the end): 1. They are so loud that they contribute to permanent hearing loss 2. Most leaf blower engines do not combust all the fuel that is put into them, which leads to cancer causing fumes 3. 30 minutes' worth of leaf blower yard work produces as much carbon emission as a Ford F-150 Raptor pick-up truck driving from New York to Juneau, Alaska 4. From 2002 to 2016, the number of professional landscapers has grown by 85%. How many of the leaf blower crews do you think have good working conditions and are being paid a fair wage? 5. Leaf blowers are not efficient tools; a grandmother in Los Angeles was able to remove debris as quickly as a leaf blower using only a rake and a broom in a test conducted by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. 6. Leaf blowers contribute to soil erosion; the wind speed can reach 180 mph, which blows away top soil. When you blow away the top soil, you also expose lead that was deposited there decades ago from leaded gasoline, giving leaf blower operators several different doses of cancer causing agents at the same time. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/realestate/on-banning-on-leaf-blowers.html https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/grandmother-proves-rake-and-broom-as-fast-as-leaf-blowers.109395/ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article152515714.html https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/02/lead-exposure-gasoline-crime-increase-children-health/

 

1 Thank

Colm Delaney

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·5h ago

Happy to give up my gas powered blower if the town wants to buy it from me. It was a rushed purchase and I agree the noise is a bit annoying (but it does work better than electric, and I use it rarely). Very happy with my electric mower though - all mowers should be electric :)

 

John Torre

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·5h ago

No to a total ban, just a time restraint would suffice.

 

1 Thank

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·5h ago

this should be the new law Limit hours of use Monday to Friday 8am to 5 PM Satirday. 10 am to 3pm Sunday. prohibited. Mr. Ippolito, earlier posted m-f 9:30-4, sorry, but people need to work and earn a living, I was a landscaper in a past life, it's hard enough to make a living as it is.

 

2 Thanks

Lisa Christopoulos

 

, Colonial Heights·5h ago

The leaf blower ban is to protect our health and our environment. Did you know one hour of continuous blowing gives off the exhaust of a car that traveled 100 miles? The fumes are harmful to people especially those with asthma and respiratory illnesses, they kick up dust and fumes into the air along with pet and animal feces left on the ground. Did you know they did not exists until the late 1970's and everyone managed their properties without them? I asked my mother in law in England if they are used to maintain gardens there as I have never seen one in use anywhere in Europe. She told me they are rarely used in the UK, only in the fall on large properties. We do not allow their use on our property and we manage fine. How many times have you passed one or two in use and all they are doing is blowing dirt around? And as far as the noise, for those of us like myself with hearing impairment, they are detrimental in eroding our hearing. I use to have a 2 acre property in North Salem, we used a self propelled lawn mower over the fallen leaves in the autumn, the mower would crush the leaves and we left them on the ground, an excellent source of nutrients and a natural fertilizer. Here's a link to one of many articles on the subject. https://www.wsj.com/articles/that-ear-splitting-leaf-blower-it-also-emits-more-pollution-than-a-car-1513346400

 

1 Thank

Eric Askins

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·4h ago

I don’t support a ban on gas powered leaf blowers. People buy and use them for a reason. Compared to corded and cordless electric ones, they seem more effective and get the job done better and sooner. If we’re using the Scarsdale law as a model, gas powered blowers are banned for part of the year but can be used the rest of the time, so I don’t find the environmental reasons very compelling though not dismissing their significance. Are people being injured by gas powered leaf blowers in ways that can be objectively measured, or is the opposition limited to noise complaints? Finally, I don’t want to see further criminalization of otherwise peaceful residents.

 

1 Thank

Diane Lipken

 

, Hartsdale Ave·4h ago

Thank you Mr. Feiner for allowing discussion of this! Leaf blowers (2 or 3 at a time) from our neighbor's landscapers, at 8 am, have caused much disruption (we work in the evenings and need to sleep then). Maybe only allow them between 10am and 6pm. Are non-gas blowers less noisy?

 

Jacob Oennerfors

 

, Hartsdale Ave·4h ago

Erik Askins: Although I don't quite understand why you are dismissing noise as a legitimate complaint (there are thousands of noise laws in effect all over the country for all kinds of things), below are some tangible examples of harm caused by leaf blowers: Hearing loss: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/hearingloss/index.html Cancer causing chemicals in 2-stroke engines: https://phys.org/news/2014-05-two-stroke-scooters-super-polluters.html Airborne lead causing developmental harm in children: https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/02/lead-exposure-gasoline-crime-increase-children-health/

 

1 Thank

Angela Mathews

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·3h ago

For all health and environmental hazards mentioned already, I am in favor of just raking, and no blowers at all. My landscaper has access to blowers, but I tell him not to use them and he listens to me. His crew just raked our yard yesterday, and did a beautiful job. Also, raking sort of opens up the pores of the soil and is beneficial in that way.

 

1 Thank

Katherine Sesholtz

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·22m ago

I do find that it’s not all about the gas powered equipment, but have seen them not using the equipment efficiently and correctly. They go over the same areas and many times see them not even blow the leaves correctly, which has them using the equipment a lot longer. Other times I have seen incredibly fast, efficient correctly done work, the noise comes and goes quickly 10min or less.

 

Eric Askins

 

 

, Hartsdale Ave·18m ago

Hi Jacob, I acknowledge the noise can be irritating at times depending on the context. However, that to me doesn’t warrant placing a ban on the blowers. I read through the articles you posted and don’t dispute the effects on hearing and other health aspects on the direct user. There is equipment that the person can wear to protect themselves. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the negative effects of the gas blowers on individuals who are farther away from it. For your third article, what is the relevance? Again, not disputing the facts presented but lead has been banned from gasoline for many years so I’m not seeing the connection. And leaf blowers weren’t mentioned in the article.

 

Katherine Sesholtz

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·18m ago

I have a very big costly battery operated cordless blower. Does not move much more then a 99 dollar cordless blower and is VERY loud. I could be outside easily making noise for 30 min and still not get done with half of what I need to do. Then I have to make more noise after charging the battery. I feel it’s a double edge sword.

 

Katherine Sesholtz

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·16m agoNew

Honestly, I’ve seen yards up north in the country that look like they are never landscaped or cleaned up and they look really pretty.

 

Katherine Sesholtz

 

 

, Irvington on Hudson·14m agoNew

One plus to battery operated or plug in no pollution, but a longer period of noise to get the job done.

 

[          ]

From:
To:
Sent: 4/3/2019 7:47:56 PM Eastern Standard Time
Subject: Re: Gas Leaf Blowers

My personal opinion relates to the 1970's issues with automobiles emissions.  The development of the catalytic converter improved exhaust emissions.  Nobody wanted to ban the car.

Now that electric car technology is vastly improved and electric cars are being more accepted , it would be prudent to have the landscape professionals look at reliability,  costs and just maybe they would make that decision without the need for more Government regulations.

Just a thought.

 

From:]
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 9:34 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

No

The decibel rule is ridiculous, who really monitors it. Don’t ban them, simply limit the time of use.

 

 

From:
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2019 11:13 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers

 

Dear Mr. Feiner,

 

Thank you for giving the residents of Greenburgh a voice on this matter.

 

I want to be upfront and tell you that I strongly oppose a ban on gas powered leaf blowers as it is used to perform a necessary task and not used to purposely irritate other residents in the community. I don’t know of anyone using a leaf blower as a form of fun, quite the opposite.

 

I’m not sure about my fellow neighbors, but we don’t have the luxury of having the additional cash to hire landscapers to clean up our lawn between 9am-5pm during workdays. And surely we are not out every week blowing leaves as many landscapers do for residents of Scarsdale. We find no pleasure blowing leaves in the fall / spring when that time could be spent having quality time with our children, but we are responsible homeowners and so we make it a point to keep things clean and tidy, not only for us, but for the sake of our community. Gas leaf blowers help us get the job done in the few hours we have to do the task. (Please note we have well over 30 trees in our backyard. Trees that help keep the flooding at bay on Sprain Road. If you’ve hit any of those puddles on Sprain Road you know what I’m talking about.)

 

Now if we talking about noise pollution let’s consider electric generators, too.  After the snow storm that left thousands without power in 2017 residents used gas powered electric generators to power their houses.  It produced a lot more noise than leaf blowers and had to be run 24/7.  We, like I’m sure others with neighbors using generators, had trouble sleeping because of the noise. Should we discuss having a ban on gas powered generators? We didn’t have power for a week and don’t own a generator. We camped out in our cold home for a couple of days, stayed with family for another couple of days and made it work. We met others who stayed in hotels. There are alternatives to super loud generators.

 

Now if we set a ban on gas powered leaf blowers should the same be said for gas powered snow blowers?.  Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be out in the freezing cold making noise with a gas powered snow blower early in the morning, but should we then pass a law banning them because they are loud and so back to shovels everyone?  

 

I read the argument that corded electric and battery powered blowers are becoming “more effective”.  More effective. First let me point out it is nowhere near as effective as gas powered blowers. We have both and I can assure you that the performance of electric blower is nowhere near that of gas powered blower. Second, electric blowers also aren’t whisper quiet and produce a lot of noise, too. I would argue that you would need almost twice the amount of time to clear out an area with an electric blower than you would with gas powered blower. Let me repeat, we will be hearing the blower noise for a lot longer. Please think about this.

 

I would agree that loud music being played, fireworks, recreational quads, off road motorcycles, etc. are all examples of avoidable noise pollution. We are a close-knit, strong, working community that takes pride in our homes and wants the best for ourselves and our neighbors. If you want to restrict the times blowers are used – 9am-5pm. Fine. But a ban? My vote is a firm NO.

 

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 10:38 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul - I suggest that in taking this type of informal survey you should send out the important facts contained in the CAC report to the board.  Having read the report myself, there seems to be no justification for inaction.  Quoting the report:  ”The Hurricane force of blowers, both gas and electric, (i) throws filthy and harmful pollutants into the air which residents (adults, children, seniors) can inhale into their lungs; (ii) are beyond comfortable auditory standards, and (iii) disrupts soil regeneration.  No one disputes the research showing that no Westchester municipality which adopted a blower law had “buyer’s remorse” and repealed it a few years later.” 

 

It seems obvious that the use of commercial strength leaf blowers should be banned in the Town.  When we moved to Hartsdale in 1994 there were almost no leaf blowers (or perhaps thee were none at all) and the neighborhood was just as clean and beautiful as it is today.  Knowing that leaf blowers are harmful to everyone, especially children and the elderly, the Town should ban them.  I suggest a total ban on gas powered blowers and limiting the use of electric blowers to spring and fall cleanup only.  During the summer months there isn’t as much to clean up and more people, especially children who are off from school, are outdoors breathing in the harmful pollutants the leaf blowers are emitting as well as stirring up.  

 

There are people in the town who feel a ban would be an affront to their personal rights.  Why should anyone have the right to do something that is known to be harmful to their neighbors’ health?  There is ample data available on the harm leaf blowers cause.  The town should take action.  As noted in the report, there have been no cases of ‘buyer’s remorse’ in other towns when laws were implemented.  Please take action.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 9:42 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Cc: David Brandwein <dcbrandwein@gmail.com>
Subject: Gas leaf blower ban

 

Dear Mr. Feiner,

 

We wholeheartedly support a Greenburgh-wide ban on gas leaf blowers akin to the Scarsdale ban.  We live in Irvington where the incessant sound and toxic cloud from gas leaf blowers is everywhere between April and October.  Most landscapers have electric leaf blowers now because of bans in neighboring rivertowns.  Electric blowers are less expensive and sound like little more than a vacuum cleaner compared to the shock to the system from the sound of gas blowers, let alone the effect on the environment and health of the community and workers forced to use them.  One day we will look back on these practices for the toxic horror that they are and wonder how we ever allowed them to be used in the first place. 

 

We appreciate your consideration of a ban to allow Greenburgh to be a leader on this issue.  There are bans in place in California and Hawaii, states at the forefront of sustainable practices.  We hope New York will one day follow suit.  Enforcement seems to be a problem in Scarsdale and must be addressed, perhaps by increasing fines so that they are no longer simply "the cost of doing business."  A Greenburgh-wide ban will certainly discourage landscapers from using them and encourage people and companies to buy electric when it is time to replace old equipment. 

 

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this issue.

 

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 9:55 AM
To: 'gblist@cit-e.net''''''eew (gblist@cit-e.net) <gblist@cit-e.net>; Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES,  We are annoyed at least 3 times a week with gas powered blowers at and around our building as early as 8am.  Rakes work!

 

Thanks, Paul.

 

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 8:19 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hello Paul,

 

YES to banning leaf blowers or at a minimum eliminate gas leaf blowers AND limit them to certain hours of the day. The noise has gotten way out of hand. Foam ear plugs don’t even begin minimize the loud, disturbing noise.

 

Thank you so much.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 8:56 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Fwd: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul, thank you for following up on this, please enact a complete ban. Enforcement will be random but if the landscapers do not care, then the householder or apartment complex employing them should also be fined 

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 9:08 AM
To: Paul Feiner; 'gblist@cit-e.net''''''eew (gblist@cit-e.net)
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I definitely think that the leaf blowers should be limited. No weekends. We can't sit on our porch without hearing them . We would prefer electric but don't know if the gardeners use them.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 6:09 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Regarding Leaf blowers

 

I believe the idea of placing limitations on leaf blowers is an idea whose time has come. 

 

The limitation that only battery or electric blowers be used makes sense - although compliance would be an issue - even with fines. But even partial success would be welcomed. 

 

I would also offer the following points:

 

•  The amount of raw gas emitted by gas powered leaf blowers is considerable. The homeowner and neighbors are deprived of clean air. 

 

• Even if gas powered blowers are permitted, a regulation prohibiting the use of 3 or 4 blowers simultaneously on one property should be considered- the noise and exhaust gas is 3 or 4 times greater. Multiple blowers speeds the contractor’s work but at the detriment to environment. 

 

• The CUSTOMER/resident needs to be involved as he/she will favor a contractor who complies with any new restrictions imposed. How about an initial warning to the homeowner using a contractor NOT in compliance followed by a monetary fine for the homeowner if multiple complaints. 

 

Thanks Paul,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 6:37 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Gas powered leaf blowers

 

Dear Paul
I urge you to follow through on the ban of use of GP leaf blowers throughout Greenburgh.
They are noisy & polluting. Their pervasive use has a major negative impact on the quality of life here.
And this says nothing to the harmful health effects on those workers who use them eight hours a day.

There are alternatives. And, especially in the summer & winter months, when there are no fallen leaves, there is no place for them.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 7:01 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc:
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Thank you very much Paul. When you looked into this last year, I noticed that you received a lot of feedback from people who seemed to own landscaping companies or were affiliated with those companies in some way. I hope that comments from these individuals will not be given the same weight as those of homeowners who are being subjected to the terrible noise and air pollution. And if a homeowner absolutely has to have a crew of electric leaf blowers every week and has to pay $10 more for that, is that a grave societal harm?

 

PLEASE put the feedback you are getting in perspective. Leaf blowers are ruining the quality of life for a lot of people in Greenburgh, and the harm of banning them is negligible from the perspective of our community at large. The harm that leaf blowers are causing is far from negligible 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 7:12 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

By all means, ban the gas blowers.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 7:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc:
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

Thanks.

I appreciate your willingness to listen to all viewpoints, and hope the process can yield you and the Town Board coming to agreement on the seasonal gas blower ban.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 7:40 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf blowers/E Hartsdale Ave traffic lights

 

Dear Mr. Feiner,

I would delight in the idea of a law restricting gas leaf blowers. Although the noise is a nuisance, the bigger problem is the horrible fumes people are forced to inhale. You do not need to be especially close to be subjected to this either. If my windows are open, I am forced to suffer from breathing in these noxious fumes. Electric or battery-powered blowers would be an improvement, but that still leaves another huge problem, the stirring up of many allergens, pollutants, irritants, and other assorted matter that, frankly, should not be breathed in. The following is one of many articles you can find on the internet by simply doing a Google search for the dangers of gas-powered leaf blowers:

Air district report: Leaf blowers present health risks

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 8:52 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I would like to see a full prohibition of gas powered leaf blowers in Greenburgh. Not only are they a source of noise and air pollution negatively impacting everyone in the vicinity they are also causing grievous harm to the workers operating them. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 9:00 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Dear Mr. Feiner,

 

Yes, please ban gas-powered leaf blowers from June 1 - Sept. 30!    If that is not possible, please implement a weekend (and holiday) ban! 

 

My arborists and landscapers do not work on Sundays, why do my neighbors hire landscapers who make a huge amount of noise and blow fumes into my yard all afternoon every Sunday including when I'd like to eat dinner outside?  And disrupt the peace and quiet for many hours (although small yards, they blow for many hours because they think they must pick up every leaf or cut grass blade)!

 

If not a June 1 - Sept 30 ban, I think it is not realistic to confine home owners or landscapers to use gas-powered leaf blowers to during a few hours Monday - Friday.  Then normal work hours the same as contractors.

 

FYI I am fortunate to have a very large yard yet I still support banning noisy polluting gasoline powered leaf blowers from June 1 - Sept. 30.

 

We need to protect our health and sanity - that means LIMIT pollution and noise!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 10:25 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf Blower Laws

 

Dear Supervisor Feiner:

Given the research on the health hazards from both noise pollution and the dust and animal feces disturbed when using a leaf blower that is unsanitary and exacerbates asthma and allergies, I am in support of restrictions for leaf blowers.
While I understand and support the landscaping businesses that need to use these machines to be profitable, I think they should be required to use battery/electric leaf blowers. The smell of gasoline and diesel during warm weather months has ruined many a nice day in our beautiful town.
I also think commercial landscapers  should only be allowed to use battery and/or electric leaf blowers on weekdays, and all leaf blowing should be banned on Sundays  DURING SUMMER MONTHS as is the policy in other Westchester towns like Tarrytown. I understand that spring and fall cleanup should not have day-of-the-week restrictions, but during May, June, July and August, there is very little to clean up.
Finally, I support allowing only one person using a leaf blower at a time in a yard. I have experienced as many as three people using leaf blowers in one yard in my neighborhood. They are extremely loud in tandem and well exceed the decibel levels allowed by the town for individual units.
Let’s bring Greenburgh up to par with the many other Westchester towns that have improved the quality of life for their residents while supporting the many small business landscapers. I hope you will consider requiring restrictions for leaf blowing in Greenburgh.

Thank you,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:25 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I would be strongly in favor of banning them. Noise pollution and air pollution reduce quality of life greatly. Not sure how easy is it to enforce, however.

 

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES! Please ban those hellish machines. They are being used from 8 AM through 6 PM EVERY DAY where I live, on Caterson Terrace. They make it impossible for me and my family to enjoy the outdoors. They make it impossible to work from home. I have considered moving from Greenburgh just because of those leaf blowers. 

 

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES! I spend about 20 minutes per year taking care of leaves in my yard. I wait until the leaves are dry and crunchy, then I run them over with my lawn mower. That's it! 

 

These leaf blowers are absolutely ruining my quality of life in Greenburgh, they contribute to global warming and they are hazardous for their users. Please ban them once and for all!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:26 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES!!!!!  A town-wide ban on gas-powered leafblowers is a very important action to protect air quality, soil health and to lesson the extreme noise and disturbance of gas powered blowers.

 

Thank  you so much for your leadership, Paul!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:20 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: leaf blowers

 

I support a ban on leaf blowers.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:23 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes yes yes!!!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:25 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I would be strongly in favor of banning them. Noise pollution and air pollution reduce quality of life greatly. Not sure how easy is it to enforce, however.

 

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:26 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Gas powered leaf blowers

 

Hello Mr. Finer, 

Personally I think they should be banned. Those blowers just raise dust and release pollution. In Europe i saw many cleaning company use street vacuum devises with traditional rakes to pick up leaves. Clean and effective.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES!!!!!!!

From: 
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:31 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Also the machines “on wheels” — i will send you a pic when I’m back in town — are the worst and can be heard 300 feet away!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES! Please ban those hellish machines. They are being used from 8 AM through 6 PM EVERY DAY where I live, on Caterson Terrace. They make it impossible for me and my family to enjoy the outdoors. They make it impossible to work from home. I have considered moving from Greenburgh just because of those leaf blowers. 

 

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES! I spend about 20 minutes per year taking care of leaves in my yard. I wait until the leaves are dry and crunchy, then I run them over with my lawn mower. That's it! 

 

These leaf blowers are absolutely ruining my quality of life in Greenburgh, they contribute to global warming and they are hazardous for their users. Please ban them once and for all!

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:32 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Gas powered leaf blowers

 

Paul, we talked about this issue last year.The noise of these blowers is deafening,the landscapers dont care what time the law prohibits them,they have a job to do and they are out here early in the morning and late in the evening using them.I have spoken with Argento and sons landscape supply and they informed me that the new ELECTRIC blowers are very powerful and very quiet,please with all the noise we deal with on a daily basis this is one that we can control with the battery operated blowers,please follow through on this issue as now is the time to implement a ban on the gas blowers, thank you

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:38 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Leaf blowers are unsafe at any speed.  They blow dust with contaminants, some of which are carcinogenic, into the air, making allergies worse and creating health hazards, especially for children..  The noise damages the hearing of workers and anyone walking by.  They harm the environment by removing leaves which are part of the circle of life.  They burn fossil fuel directly or (if electric) indirectly, increasing carbon in the atmosphere.  Westchester air is non-compliant under the Clean Air Act and leaf blowers contribute to the bad air.

 

The option is healthier and cheaper.  For leaves-love em and leave em.  Mulch leaves back into the soil.  Restore the soil.  

 

I can’t believe we are still having this discussion.  Leaf blowers are a sign of our collective insanity.

 

Thanks for your attention to this.  

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:50 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf blower ban

 

Paul - I support the leaf lower ban as suggested in your email. At the very least there should be time restrictions, such as weekend afternoons and evenings or even seasonal restrictions. The ban should be extended to all users, not just to landscapers and there should be a clear enforcement plan. Thank you.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:51 PM
To:
Cc: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

We support banning gasoline blowers period,  If they use electric blowers in the summer, they can use them all the time.

 

Thanks.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:57 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 12:58 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Hi Paul, I strongly support a ban on gas powered leaf blowers. Go electric!

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:55 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Yes - please ban gas powered blowers

 

Dear Paul:

 

Hello!

I am a Town of Greenburgh, Village of Ardsley resident. I strongly support a ban on gas powered lead blowers.

Thank you for all that you do!

Best,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:00 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf Blower ban - YES!

 

Hi, Paul,

Thanks for considering enacting this important rule, to extend what we already have in Tarrytown.

Personally, I’d like to extend it to all 2-cycle gas-engine power tools, except chain saws.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:59 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes, limit or forbid the operation of gas powered blowers.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:10 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Cc:
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES.

 

I am sure that it is absolutely the best next step for Greenburgh Town to ban gas powered leaf blowers.

Electric and battery operated leaf blowers are orders of magnitude improvement in air pollution, thus health of operators & residents and impact of overall greenhouse gas emission.

 

For noise pollution and related disturbances, limits on hours of usage of any blower are very helpful to operators, residents, and persons & animals of all ages within earshot.

 

Alignment among municipalities on these policies is absolutely beneficial to business owners & operators and their customers. 

 

Finally, LELE remains the best course of action for leaf management, especially where yard design & landscape make leaf cleanup simple.

 

Many thanks,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:22 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Banning Gas Powered Leaf Blowers

 

Dear Paul,

 

Regarding your email about banning the gas-powered leaf blowers....I am all for it!  I live in a co-op development surrounded by trees.  While I love trees, I don't appreciate the noise that goes along with the leaf blowers.  I have been on the telephone or watching television, and if the leaf blower is going, I can't hear anything else but the leaf blower.  If the electric or battery powered leaf blowers are quieter, then I say let's ban the gas-powered ones!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes, battery operated blowers should be required. The town  should give the landscape companies a year to comply.
If passed today laws begins in 2021. In 2020 is a warning period and a reminder what the fine will cost.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf Blowers

 

Paul:

 

I would fully support the Town of Greenburgh enacting a law similar to the one enacted in Scarsdale banning gas powered leaf blowers.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:35 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes, they should banned and replaced by electric blowers within a reasonable time, e.g. six months, thanks.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: leaf blowers

 

Hi Mr. Feiner,

Thank you for bringing up this issue. I truly appreciate it! I live in the Rivertowns so I'm not sure if I have a say in the matter, but I'd love to tell you about my experience with gas powered leaf blowers. When my children were babies in the summer, my neighbors' landscapers would arrive and, within seconds, the fumes from the leaf blowers infiltrated my house via open windows. I ran around furiously closing them to minimize the effects on my children. To this day, when I pick the kids up from the bus stop, on our walk home, we typically find ourselves running and holding our breath while attempting to get by all of the landscapers. It isn't just one man using a leaf blower either, there are at least 3 running usually and then, there are other landscaping companies present as well! 

 

I would like my name to be anonymous if you share this personal account as I don't want to offend the lovely people that live around me (even though I'm not a fan of their landscaping choices). We have a big yard and have even hired landscapers a few times to help us with leaves, but I really would love a more environmentally friendly option. I don't care about the noise as much as the air pollution.

 

Please see here, imagine my children inhaling this on their way home from the bus and school!

https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/109428.html

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:47 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

Great idea for both noise and air pollution reasons.  In addition to reduced noise, electric/battery-powered leaf blowers produce far lower emissions (even taking into the consideration the emissions associated with generating electricity).  

 

Compromise, if necessary, could be that gas-powered leaf blowers could only be used between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. 

 

Thanks,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Good afternoon, Paul.

 

Yes, it is the season and landscapers have started cleaning up yards.  I understand the noise, but residents need to stop complaining about this issue.  Interesting, do they complain about snow blowers in the winter too?  These landscapers are only trying to make a living and to provide a service to the residents.   

 

I believe there is a noise requirement provision already in place but I can't remember the times/days of the week they need to follow.  I think this is sufficient and if anyone feels that the landscaper in their neighborhood is not in compliance of these times allowed by the Town, maybe Paul, you can provide them with a number to call and place their complaint.  

 

Looking at Scarsdale, I don't think instituting a new law banning gas powered blowers worked for them.  Landscapers continue to use them and quite frankly probably because they are more powerful and/or they can't afford to replace their existing equipment.  I don't think the Town should be making money and penalizing the landscapers who work very hard during this season to make money to provide for their families.  It's a tough job and the season is not very long.  Residents need to learn to be more tolerant and use their energy some where else instead of complaining about noise from a leaf blower.    

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:10 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: GLBs

 

Absolutely in favor of a ban. There was an article by James Fallows in this month’s Atlantic about the successful effort to ban them in Washington DC. They are destructive to workers, beyond terrible for the environment, and the noise pollution is not only dreadful, but harmful as well.

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:16 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Gas powered leaf blowers

 

I think gas powered leaf blowers SHOULD be babied in Greenburg. Thank you

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GASPOWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Dear Paul,

 

Yes, please!  I support a full ban.   I have a battery operated one that is less noisy and better for the environment.  There has been such an advancement in the lithium batteries and garden tools.

 

If we need to start with limited hours to get folks on board, please also stipulate that it will also be for one year before a full ban  on gas operated blowers is implemented.  I would also include weed whacker/edger tools. 

 

When we know better, we need to do better as Maya Angelou would say.  ??

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:30 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: yes, yes, yes

 

Yes, please, to a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. 

 

If that proves impossible, yes to any compromise solutions. 

 

And feel free to copy-paste this response when this comes up next year, and the year after, and the ... ha. 

 

Thanks for all your efforts. Much appreciated. 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

go for it!

but is this really leaf blower season?

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I support a ban. I believe we should go back to sweeping and raking. If this is not practical, then electric or battery should be used. 

 

Sincerely, 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:46 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Paul,

 

I would support a law similar to Scarsdale.  Allowing gas blowers during the fall and spring clean-ups is beneficial as the more powerful machinery does a far better job of cleaning furing the end-of-autumn and spring clean ups.

 

That said, I believe most gardeners are done with the clean-ups by the end of April.  A ban on the gas blowers could certainly be in effect by May 1 and last until the end of September.

 

As someone who is home much of the time, the loud noise level of the leaf blowers is certainly a “quality of life” issue.  A compromise which allows the powerful machinery in the early spring and fall seems to be a reasonable compromise.

 

Scarsdale seems to have had reasonable success with the ordinance and I would expect it would have similar levels of compliance in Greenburgh.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:51 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes, I would definitely support a ban during the summer especially when it is mainly clippings and not leaves. I would also like a total ban on blowers and mowers on weekends at all times, especially during the nicer weather when I would like to sit and enjoy my backyard in peace. We have a landscaper but make sure that they come by Friday so they don't interrupt the weekends I have in my yard.

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:54 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Ban on gas powered leaf blowers

 

An emphatic yes, please! I care about our air quality (you can ban them all in terms of noise pollution please) and our environment—please ban gas powered leaf blowers.

 

thank you!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:56 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Fwd: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul

 

I certainly support regulating leaf blowers to eliminate pollution, etc. due to gas leaf blowers. 

 

I can’t personally recommend corded electric blowers but wholeheartedly encourage switch-over to battery-based leaf blowers. 

 

Note that there are ‘backpack style’ battery units that allow hours of usage by commercial landscapers. Note also that the costs of electric leaf blowers have come down drastically: for example a decent blower for a homeowner can be had for $150 from Leol’s or Home Depot!

 

Although electric leaf blowers will not eliminate nuisance noise completely, they do significant reduce airborne particulate pollution effects.

 

Due to the noise factor (any device that blows air out a nozzle effectively for leaves will probably produce at least 65db of sound), some neighborhoods may still benefit from seasonal restrictions on use.

 

Regards,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:25 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

 

Thank you for your email and effort to ban gas powered leaf blowers.  I totally support your effort.

 

These are almost entirely operated by paid landscape operators, most individual land owners can not afford to purchase these noisy machines.

 

A good reason to also ban them is for the health of the operators, who 1) inhale the toxic exhaust and 2) over time suffer hearing loss from the proximity of their ears to the noisy machines. They usually operate the blowers without ear protection, so they can talk/shout to each other.  Many of them carry them on their backs, while the larger ones are pushed in front of them

 

The health issues eventually costs everyone in the community.

 

Another reason of course is for the benefit of the people who have to endure the noise pollution - specially if their property is not serviced by the landscape personnel.

 

There is no reason they can not use electric leaf blowers, recharging them in their equipment trucks.  Or use rakes!

 

The best thing to do is "Love them and leave them", grass cuttings and leaves (specially if chopped up by a lawn mower) make excellent mulch (to retain moisture in the ground) and fertilizer.

 

This ban will benefit both the property owners and the entire community, just as the ban on plastic bags in Hastings on Hudson has almost eliminated bags blowing around the village.

 

(Would you also try to ban plastic bags in the county, please.)

 

Thank you,

 

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 2:29 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul, 

 

Thank you for posting this very important question. We all need to keep on mind that, gas leaf blowers are not just a noice nuisance; it is an environmental issue that requires our immediate attention, in an effort to join the world community against the very real threat of global warming. Moreover, and as you are already aware, New York State will be banning the use of grocery store plastic bags in 2020.

Let us be part of the effort in creating a better living environment.

 

Thanks again,

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:04 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

A law similar to Scarsdale’s should be enacted. Additionally, the appropriate party should be held accountable for any violations: employees of landscaping businesses should not be the target of enforcement.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:07 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

YES !!! Thank you!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:06 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

We have been anti-leaf blowers for years!!!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:11 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

A law similar to Scarsdale’s should be enacted. Additionally, the appropriate party should be held accountable for any violations: employees of landscaping businesses should not be the target of enforcement.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GASPOWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Something certainly needs to be done as the noise gets quite intrusive. The problem is compounded because everyone has a different landscaper so you deal with the noise pretty much every single day from one direction or another. What amplifies this is that it’s never just one person blowing it’s at least two or three in addition to a lawn mower and one or two with gas powered weed wackers. So you generally have four or five motors going at the same time.

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:22 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Yes Paul, please please please enact an ordinance to ban the gas powered blowers!
The electric ones are very efficient and powerful, make a lot less noise, and don’t taint the air with the lingering stench of unburned hydrocarbons.

You have my full support!
Let’s evolve out of the dark ages :)

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Paul,

 

I believe gas powered leaf blowers should be banned year-round, statewide.  All the reasons why are listed in this recent Atlantic article:  https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/04/james-fallows-leaf-blower-ban/583210/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share&fbclid=IwAR1XxGSa69FQTOCG5EY-kQ-DiYfSwwj74dHI38se3CNtBeyeWsX6NpmE2Tc

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:38 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blower ban

 

Hello Paul,

 

Yes, please ban gas blowers & limit all loud lawn equipment use throughout the entire week to between the hours of 9am -5pm.

 

Thank you, 

From:

Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:39 PM

To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>

Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Hello,

 

I support restrictions on leaf blower use in Greenburgh. The pollution is concerning.

 

Thanks so much for your hard work!

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 3:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Hi Paul,

 

Yes, I think the town should limit the use of the leaf blowers to during the week Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 3:22 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Dear Mr Feiner,

 

My 12 year old son and I live in Irvington. I work at home and lose a LOT of my sanity, peace, productivity to the incessant, unbearable noise of the ever-present lawn crews in our neighborhood.

 

We cannot open our windows during the lovely mild spring and fall days, we have to go straight from heating in the winter to air conditioning the rest of the year to have air circulating in the house.  And while we have to bear the burden of excessive energy bills associated with not being able to open our windows, we also have to plan all our outdoor time around the neighbors' lawn "care" schedules. 

 

In the last few years, my decades-dormant asthma has returned, my son's relatively mild seasonal allergies have worsened considerably and reduced his quality of life.

 

The noise is unbearable due not only to the particular pitch and volume, but the pervasiveness of it and the associated vibrations. We can clearly hear crews operating half a mile away, through closed windows. I refuse to accept that with the extremely high property taxes I pay, I cannot enjoy quiet in my own home without being forced to wear ear plugs (which are not effective against this kind of continuous roar), or play music or white noise to attempt to drown it out. It doesn't work- I can hear the roar over the sound of my industrial sewing machine and ear buds.

 

If that's not enough to give a person constant anxiety and rage, there is the stench of the fumes which spreads across the neighborhood and then lingers like a toxic miasma long after the trucks have left. When are we allowed to go outside and have fresh air? Is there even any fresh air to be had? 

 

On top of all these "first world" problems is really the worst, most offensive aspect: the harm to the environment in the form of pollution and environmental degradation. When the crews are diligently mulch mowing every last leaf into a powder in the fall, they are wiping out countless dormant, hibernating, over wintering critters who make their homes, cocoons, chrysalises, egg cases, etc. in the fallen leaves, on the ground. Is it any wonder then, that we are in the midst of a catastrophic insect die out?  When the crews come back in March, before the snow is even melted, to clean up (didn't they already clean up in December?), any creature who survived the massacre in the fall is surely going to be pulverized because it didn't rely on our calendar to come out of dormancy. 

 

Irvington finally has some leaf blower laws. They are laughably inadequate and, worse, unenforced. Or, semi enforced selectively. Sometimes the police are responsive to shut down the illegal activity but I've yet to hear of any landscaper or homeowner being fined for multiple offenses. Other times, the police reprimand the complainant for harassing the landscaper (who is more often than not operating more blowers than allowed, at noise levels --100+ decibels-- well beyond the legal limit of seventy decibels, and other offenses).

 

I chose to live in Irvington because I was told it's green, tree-filled, peaceful and beautiful. In reality, it is overrun by armies of harmful, polluting machines operated by men who often don't speak English, are woefully under paid for the type of risk they are taking with their health, untrained,  lacking safety equipment. The noise is pervasive, loud, and constant. There is no beauty in the death and destruction of our planet, the nakedness of the yards stripped of every living thing. 

 

As I type this at three pm, the roar around my house has been going for over six hours. They are not even on an adjacent property. I can feel the vibration, and it is well over 50 decibels from inside my closed, well insulated house, from over 200 yards away. I see unprotected children walking home from school right through the crews and wonder about their health, hearing, future planet.

 

We have a county law against idling cars, but cars are so efficient nowadays that even an idling car would be significantly less polluting than a single blower. Yet there are rows of 3-4 blowers operating at once, for hours on end. How does that make any sense? It would be like banning lead paint but serving school lunches on lead plates.

 

I would strongly support a town-wide, county-wide, nation-wide ban on these machines. Not just restrictions, outright bans. Year round. 

 

If people can't afford to pay a guy to rake, then so be it. The planet will be better off. And maybe our children will have a future with breathable air and a livable earth.

 

Thank you.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 2:33 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I know this was discussed last year and I had sent my comments. So I though I comment again.

 

I agree the noise from the gas blowers can be annoying. Especially if you are trying to concentrate or watch a show. My take on the gas blowers; it’s a powerful machine which can move debris very quickly. For their business its quantity over quality.  If they can find an electric or battery version with the same power that would ideal.

 

Also, keep in mind, landscapers are a necessity. I have always taken care of my own lawn for over 40 yrs. Last year, because of health reasons, I had to hire some one to do my lawn for me.  One way you could reduce the use of blowers would be to add a pick bag to capture the debris.

 

But a law would help, I would hope,  reduce the amount of blower necessitiy.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 12:33 PM
To: Francis Sheehan <fsheehan@greenburghny.com>; Kevin Morgan <kmorgan@greenburghny.com>; Diana Juettner <djuettner@greenburghny.com>; Ken Jones <KJones@greenburghny.com>; Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Please ban leaf blowers in Greenburgh! They are ruining our quality of life and polluting the environment

 

Ken, Diana, Kevin and Francis, 

 

please consider banning leaf blowers in Greenburgh! I live in Hartsdale on Caterson Terrace, and the noise pollution from leaf blower crews that are there EVERY DAY from 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM is unbelievable. Leaf blowers are making it impossible for me and my family to enjoy the outdoors and they are ruining our quality of life. I also can't work from home or even watch a movie; the noise travels very far, goes through walls, into your very bones. I used to live in Manhattan right next to FDR drive. The noise from thousands of cars on that road doesn't come close to a leaf blower crew in Hartsdale!

 

Some facts about leaf blowers (Sources at the end):

 

1. They are so loud that they contribute to permanent hearing loss

 

2. Most leaf blower engines do not combust all the fuel that is put into them, which leads to cancer causing fumes

 

3.  30 minutes' worth of leaf blower yard work produces as much carbon emission as a Ford F-150 Raptor pick-up truck driving from New York to Juneau, Alaska

 

4. From 2002 to 2016, the number of professional landscapers has grown by 85%. How many of the leaf blower crews do you think have good working conditions and are being paid a fair wage?

 

5. Leaf blowers are not efficient tools; a grandmother in Los Angeles was able to remove debris as quickly as a leaf blower using only a rake and a broom in a test conducted by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. 

 

6. Leaf blowers contribute to soil erosion; the wind speed can reach 180 mph, which blows away top soil. When you blow away the top soil, you also expose lead that was deposited there decades ago from leaded gasoline, giving leaf blower operators several different doses of cancer causing agents at the same time.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 11:53 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

My wife and I are ok with the ban, we own a battery powered blower.  We do realize that there are many who may already own a gas powered blower and may not have the extra funds to purchase a new battery/electric one, cognizant of that fact we would support a limited (green zone) time window  as well.

 

Thanks for your efforts to help make our community a great place to be.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 7:24 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

I hate the noise.  I will support any plan to reduce noise.  I would love to enjoy my weekends in peace.

From:
Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2019 9:21 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Dear Paul, The noise is out of control as you know.  I strongly support the change to electric blowers.   Even the electric blowers should be permitted only during restricted times.   Monday through Friday except for holidays between 9 am and 5 pm.   I manage residential properties in NYC and those are fairly standard hours for noisy work which even the electric blowers are.  Many thanks and warm, regards. 

From:
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 3:49 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: RE: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Thank you.  Please do not include my name with my response.

 

If that is not possible, I'll send you a calmer set of comments that do not mention neighbors.  I like my neighbors very much, I just don't like their weekend use of loud leaf blowers!

 

Thank you and take good care!

From:
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 12:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: question about leaf blowers

 

I just saw your post on Facebook regarding leaf blowers from two days ago... my newsfeed doesn't automatically show me all of the information I want - I need to search for things.

Regarding your questions there - yes, I would support a ban on leaf blowers, at least for all but the autumn cleanup.

When I was well enough to cut my own yard I had a mower with mulching blades.  And you could barely see any lawn clippings after I was done.  Even during the fall, I used to mow over the leaves and let them be absorbed into the ground.  It's a great way to reduce noise, air, and water pollution, since you also reduce the need for fertilizer.

There should be a way to identify landscapers who mulch grass clippings (if there are any) - is that something that Greenburgh could put up on the website?

From:
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 12:19 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Ban on gas powered leaf blowers

 

I think this is a great idea.  As annoying as the noise from the leaf blowers is, I am more concerned about air quality.  The gas fumes can be just overpowering even from a block away and my lawn furniture and window sills are covered with soot.

From:
Sent: Saturday, April 6, 2019 2:23 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf Blowrts

 

Paul I heard you were asking about leaf blowers

 

I would definitely not allow them on Weekends given the choice

 

A total ban wouldn’t bother me a bit

From:
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2019 6:26 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

Dear Mr, Feiner,

 

I wrote to you about this very issue years ago. I also addressed a town meeting about this, years ago. You actually circulated a similar questionnaire on your site--years ago--and you reported to me that the response was overwhelmingly in favor of far stricter laws. I also went as far as to go to the Scarsdale Police Dept myself and get their rules and regs--years ago-- and I actually gave these to you as a fine example of what they are doing. Even after all this, and despite the "overwhelming" feedback, NO action was taken by your administration. And I am sure that board and voter alike, we are all people who are all for the environment, etc., and never miss an Earth Day celebration. What's wrong with this picture?

 

This time, instead of repeating the past, why not just do something about this right now? If you search your records, you will see that the canvassing was already done. Rather than worry about motorcycle safety and bee issues, why not direct the energy of the town board to something that will inure to the benefit if us all?

From:

Sent: Friday, April 5, 2019 6:32 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc:
Subject: leaf blowers

 

Hi Paul,

Since you asked... 

I support a ban on gas powered leaf blowers plus seasonal restrictions. However, I believe that electric blowers are not (yet) as powerful as gas ones, therefore there are instances where electric blowers are insufficient (e.g. when leaves are wet). I suggest getting some input from lawncare businesses. Of course there are always rakes, but using them I would imagine would cost more (time).

 

Also, I would suggest a phase-in period with a deadline, for example, no gas blowers by year 20XX. And: how about no gas-powered anything by 20XX? That way landscapers can retire equipment as needed and replace retired ones with electric ones over time.

 

I support seasonal restrictions because making pollen, pesticides and dust airborne is not healthy for people with asthma. So all leaf blowers should be banned in summer. Perhaps exceptions can be made for walkways, per Tim Downey of Aesthetic Lawncare. But I've literally seen lawncare guys reverse-vaccuum lawn/grass in summer. Unnecessary.

 

Finally, in the process of trumpeting new leaf blower laws, there should be an educational component urging landscapers to mulch leaves in place and not blow soil bare. I've seen some unbelievable practices. Of course if leaf blower use is restricted, they will be more inclined to mulch with their mowers.

From:
Sent: Saturday, April 6, 2019 2:23 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf Blowrts

 

Paul I heard you were asking about leaf blowers

 

I would definitely not allow them on Weekends given the choice

 

A total ban wouldn’t bother me a bit

From:
Sent: Saturday, April 6, 2019 4:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Leaf blowers

 

Whatever you can do to quiet those noisy machines will be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you.

=================================================

From:
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2019 9:39 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: Ban on gas powered leaf blowers

 

Thank you - it would be a nice step forward in making Greenburgh free of fossil fuels.

From:
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2019 2:04 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Leaf blower ban

 

Hi Paul,

 

I received your email regarding the possibility that Greenburgh may enact a ban on leaf blowers. I applaud the intentions of this ban to reduce unnecessary noise in our communities. That being said, I don't think that this is the most effective way to achieve the goal of reduced noise pollution. 

This ban is addressing only a symptom of the problem of noise pollution. Leaf blowers are only one manifestation of the problem. Lawn mowers, chain saws and other gas powered machinery all add to the problem. 

Rather than focus on only one source of such pollution, the town should instead enact a comprehensive noise ordinance that addresses all noise pollution. Such an ordinance should be agnostic of the type of device causing the excessive noise. Instead, the ordinance should specify a measurable decibel value that, if exceeded, would be fineable offense. 

This type of ordinance will be fairer way to address noise pollution. Its not the leaf blower that is the problem, its the noise it produces.

 

Yes they should be banned. Last Saturday I heard them still blowing at 8:00 pm. I just want to come home after a hard days work and be in peace and quiet

Hi Paul,

 

Excellent topic!

Greenburgh should most definitely adopt this law. However it appears from Scarsdale's experience that it lacked the intended results. If enacted the penalties must be much more severe to ensure it works and not be a paper tiger. The violators simply past the cost onto the customer and in our area the customers can easily afford to pay the higher fees. Along with the fees how about confiscation of the offenders' leaf blowers say for the second or third offense.

On Central Avenue the businesses require constant leaf blowers and usually two, three or more leaf blowers at the same time resulting in ear blasting decibels. DO IT AND DO IT NOW! AND MAKE SURE THE BAN IS KNOW TO THE PUBLIC.

 

Thanks & regards,

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 10:39 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: Re: SHOULD GREENBURGH ENACT A LAW SIMILAR TO SCARSDALE BANNING GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS- BUT ALLOWING ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

 

I support the ban!  Thank you Paul!  We live jn Hartsdale Manor.

From:
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 11:24 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Subject: question about leaf blowers

 

Paul,

 

I know that this is spring cleanup time, and all of the landscapers are out getting rid of any leftover leaves and tree branches that are littering lawns.  But I thought that there would be some limits to the amount of noise allowed.

I checked the Greenburgh Town Code, section 380-7-H: https://www.ecode360.com/6818709, and it says the top allowed noise level is 75 dbA

The landscapers that were outside of my house earlier this week (not my landscapers) are extremely loud, and the measurement from inside my house, behind a closed window, with the leaf blowers at least 25 feet away, is well over 85 dbA (see attached screenshot).

And today there are landscapers a block away, and I can tell that they are as loud as the ones from a few days ago.

I'm not well, and I don't leave my house, and I feel as if I need to wear earplugs and earmuffs, or hide in the furthest corner for over a half hour while the landscapers perform their work.

I don't think there are many landscapers who have leaf blowers which comply with the noise law.

Does Greenburgh monitor the noise from landscapers' equipment, or do complaints need to be made for that to happen?

From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2019 11:25 AM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>
Cc:
Subject: Gas powered leaf blower ban

 

Hi Paul,

 

I strongly encourage you to ban gas powered leaf blowers due to both the environmental/air quality issues as well as the noise pollution issues that they cause.

 

We know that climate change is real and we have a limited amount of time to avoid very significant impacts. Gas powered blowers have alternatives and anyone who uses one should replace their blower with an electric or battery powered blower, or mulch the leaves in place. The additional costs of purchasing new and more sustainable equipment can be offset with slightly higher fees to customers - an explanation of the benefits should be included in their bill.

 

I’m all for compromises, but at this time we must take the necessary actions to protect our future and our children’s future.

 

Thank you for being a voice of leadership and reason.

From:]
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2019 12:12 PM
To: Paul Feiner <pfeiner@greenburghny.com>;
Subject: GAS LEAF BLOWER BAN - YES!!!!!

 

[I did not receive the below email directly and copied it from a cc from a nearby resident]

Paul,
I am a Tarrytown/Irvington resident for 41 years living on Canada Goose Pond where sound travels.

Further,
I am a "sound" professional and still active conductor of a 45 piece band. - I thoroughly understand sound and relative db levels.
More important than the above is my/our ability to enjoy any calm and quiet of the area in which we live.

Unfortunately, this does not happen in the warmer months due to the insane, barbaric continual dominance of said gas leaf blowers.
In essence, villages have chosen to support the 'green contractors' laziness in cleaning properties rather than the tax-paying residents.
We are trapped and cannot get out of the way - they can, but do not have to.

At least 12 years ago, I researched noise laws of various nearby communities for the Village of Tarrytown, kept on them and the 'big' net result after y-e-a-r-s
was the June 15 to Sept 15 and weekend.ban.
---- Unfortunately, unless WE HOMEOWNERS get involved and 'complain, enforcement is a 'casual thing' and ends up with ugliness.

I am also aware that there are related decibel noise limits on the books which, in actually, would not allow more than 1 gas leaf blower before it was exceeded.
The Police defense for that is usually something like "the db meter is in the blah-blah office and needs to be calibrated - "Unavailable"
The use of 4+ leaf blowers at once for 20-30 minutes is so dominating and borderline dangerous to the ears, it is impossible to that it has gone on for so long.  I was on the verge of asking to address the Village Trustees again when I saw this cc.

Last summer I gave Tarrytown Police Sgt Frank Giampiccolo a new db meter.  Unfortunately, one needs to do a song and dance routine to get anyone in Village law making or enforcement to share the concern.  When these guys fire up, one must close all windows and be a prisoner.

This intrusive-dominating situation has been tiptoed on by law-makers for decades.  
It is the single most troublesome situation and totally unfair.

PLEASE STOP THIS NOW- IT HAS NO GOOD REASON TO EXIST AND FAVORS GREEN CONTRACTORS (who have other means to achieve their goal)
OVER RESIDENTS   (who are prisoners of intrusions which they can do little about).

**This is a situation of BOTH law making and enforcement **

I would be happy to help on any aspect of this - it has ruined (word chosen) my life for years.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 8:37 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Gas blowers

 

Dear Mr. Feiner,

Nothing ruins a beautiful Saturday morning than the sound of gas blowers... I totally support banning them on weekends and the fine should go to the homeowner for allowing it to take place...after a few warnings of course... thank you for taking up the issue.

 

 

 

 




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