Rye Brook approves one-year exemptions to gas-powered leaf blower ban for two properties with electric-only condition near buildings

The Rye Brook Board of Trustees on March 11 approved one-year exemptions for two large properties from the village's seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, but required battery-operated blowers be used in sidewalks and pathways closest to each building.

The exemptions apply to Atria Ryebrook and to 699 Westchester Ave. (the former Westchester Hilton). The board's resolutions renew prior one-year exemptions and extend the approvals through Oct. 1, 2025, covering the village's May 1'Sept. 30 ban period.

The board framed the approvals around the ordinance that enacted the seasonal ban (Village Code Chapter 158, Section 2.1) and the village's rule that properties of five acres or more may apply for full or partial exemptions. The board's motions included the same condition for both properties: electric blowers must be used on sidewalks, pathways and building-adjacent areas during the ban.

Representatives for the properties described steps taken to reduce reliance on gas equipment. Brian Sittler of Griffin's Landscaping, who spoke on behalf of Atria Ryebrook, described his company's transition plan: "we are progressing down the path of trying to utilize the battery pack blowers and mowers and things like that," and said the company had purchased commercial electric mowers and backpack blowers and installed charging at its shop.

A speaker for 699 Westchester Ave. said the property has purchased additional battery equipment and is using electric blowers near the building and on walkways; the speaker said some distant mowing areas still require gas equipment when large volumes of pruning or leaf collection occur.

Both resolutions passed on unanimous roll-call votes: Trustee Epstein, Trustee Fisher, Trustee Heizer, Trustee Merlino and Mayor Klein all voted yes.

Board members said the condition aims to reduce noise and neighbor disturbance by requiring electric equipment nearest to buildings and residences while acknowledging that larger landscaping tasks may still use gas-powered equipment where electric alternatives are not yet practical.

The board also noted the exemptions had been previously granted for one-year periods and were being renewed now so the village can reassess progress on equipment and costs before any further action.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 1 (Atria Ryebrook exemption) — approved; Resolution 2 (699 Westchester Ave. exemption) — approved.

Planning or enforcement questions related to how the condition will be monitored were not resolved at the meeting and will be handled through the village's usual code enforcement channels.