Rye Brook trustees approve one-year exemptions from seasonal gas leaf-blower ban for two large properties

The Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees on March 11 approved one-year exemptions to the village’s seasonal gas-powered leaf blower ban for two large properties — Atria Rye Brook and the former Westchester Hilton at 699 Westchester Ave. The exemptions run through Oct. 1, 2025, and both include a condition requiring battery-powered blowers on sidewalks and pathways closest to each building.

The resolutions implement a provision of Chapter 158, Section 2.1, of the Village Code, which bans gas-powered leaf blowers from May 1 through Sept. 30 but permits properties of 5 acres or more to apply for a full or partial exemption. Chris (staff) summarized that previous one-year exemptions had been granted and expired; applications were distributed to eligible properties and posted on the village website. Trustee votes were unanimous on both items.

Brian Sittler of Griffin’s Landscaping, speaking for Atria Rye Brook, told trustees that his firm has started investing in electric equipment and “we are progressing forward” toward battery-powered mowers and blowers but that larger jobs and heavy pruning still present challenges. He said Griffin’s has purchased commercial electric mowers and backpacks and set up a charging station at its shop, and that the company will offer an all‑electric mowing crew for clients who accept higher costs.

For Atria Rye Brook the trustees approved the exemption with the condition that “electric blowers shall be used on the sidewalks and pathway areas closest to the building.” The board noted the property previously had a one-year exemption that expired Oct. 1, 2024, and the new approval extends an exemption through Oct. 1, 2025.

Representatives for 699 Westchester Ave (the former Hilton) told trustees the property remains closed but maintained, and that battery-powered blowers were being used near the building. The board applied the same condition for that property: battery-operated leaf blowers for sidewalks, pathways and areas closest to the hotel building. Trustees discussed potential noise impacts for nearby residents and confirmed the condition is intended to reduce noise where properties abut residences.

Votes at the meeting were recorded as follows for both exemptions: Trustee Epstein — yes; Trustee Fisher — yes; Trustee Heizer — yes; Trustee Merlino — yes; Mayor Klein — yes. Trustees said the one-year approvals give the properties another season to increase use of electric equipment and provide the board an opportunity to review progress next year.

The approvals do not prohibit the properties from using gas equipment for other, non‑covered tasks when necessary, and trustees emphasized they were not placing an absolute ban in all circumstances. The village will revisit exemption requests in 2026 to assess adoption of electric equipment and any needed modifications to conditions.