New Canaan council directs work on leaf-blower limits, asks bylaws committee to draft short-term options

New Canaan, Conn. — The Town Council on July 16 agreed to move forward on addressing complaints about gas-powered leaf blowers by asking the Bylaws & Ordinances committee to draft near-term, noise-focused options while preparing a longer study process. Public commenters framed the issue around noise and health, and council members said the town needs both a fast, enforceable response and a broader study of environmental impacts and implementation. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; instead councilors outlined a two-track approach and assigned drafting responsibility to the Bylaws & Ordinances committee. Why it matters: dozens of residents told the council that repeated blower use limits their ability to use outdoor space and that the noise is worst in summer. Council members said implementation and enforcement are central concerns and that any restriction should provide time for landscapers and homeowners to adapt. The…