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East Greenwich council opens review of residential noise rules, schedules public workshop on leaf blowers
Summary
Councilors and staff agreed to hold a public workshop in spring to explore changes to the town noise ordinance — including possible limits on gas leaf blowers, seasonal or time‑of‑day restrictions, and incentives for electric equipment — after residents and a councilor cited noise and health research.
The East Greenwich Town Council on Nov. 25 opened a policy review of the town noise ordinance to consider restrictions on residential landscaping equipment — especially gas leaf blowers — and asked the town manager to organize a public workshop in the spring.
Councilor Karen Cornthal summarized studies about noise and emissions from gas leaf blowers and cited examples of local and regional action. She said gas blowers can produce high decibel levels and cited health concerns referenced in EPA and World Health Organization material, urging the town to begin a careful public process: “I just I just think we should at least begin the discussion and see where it can go,” she said.
Other councilors pressed for clarity on whether the proposed changes are primarily about reducing noise or addressing air‑pollution and climate concerns — a distinction that may change the scope of any ordinance. Town Manager Andy Nada and staff emphasized that enforcement capacity, seasonality, equipment categories and exemptions (for emergency equipment, snow removal, etc.) must be addressed. Nada recommended a series of workshops to bring homeowners, landscapers, conservation officials and service providers into the same conversation.
Resident John Paulus told the council he supports action and emphasized enforcement: “Enforcement is the key,” he said, adding that the existing ordinance already excludes emergency equipment such as snow blowers but does not exclude lawn maintenance equipment. Council members asked staff to return in the spring with a public‑engagement plan and background research, and the manager agreed to schedule a workshop series to vet options.
What comes next: The town will convene a spring public workshop to solicit input and explore tools including seasonal bans, time‑of‑day restrictions, equipment categories (gas vs. electric), potential rebates or incentives for conversion, and an enforcement approach that is realistic for town resources.
