Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press North Hempstead to strengthen enforcement of seasonal gas leaf-blower ban
Summary
Residents urged the town to ban gas leaf blowers or extend the summer ban amid concerns about noise and pollution; a town official said enforcement will be stepped up June 15–Sept. 15.
Alan Franklin addressed the Town Board on March 4 to renew calls for a ban on gas leaf blowers, describing them as a noise and air-pollution nuisance that makes walking neighborhoods unpleasant during spring cleanups.
Franklin urged either a full ban or at minimum an extension of the summer restriction (he proposed May 15 to Oct. 15). He said past bans or reduced enforcement had failed and asked whether the board intended to strengthen regulation.
A town official replied that the commissioner has plans to enforce the existing ban more aggressively from June 15 through Sept. 15 and that the department conducts ongoing work with enforcement staff. The official acknowledged residents’ frustration and said enforcement would increase this summer.
The board did not vote on new leaf-blower legislation at this meeting; members said they would continue to work with the commissioner on enforcement and potential future rule changes.
