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Planning board hears sustainability certification update and debate over gas-powered leaf blowers
Summary
Board members were briefed on the township's sustainability certification efforts and discussed potential actions on gas-powered leaf blowers, including time-of-day restrictions or outright bans, but took no formal action.
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — At its May 21 meeting the West Windsor Planning Board received an environmental report on the township’s sustainable certification efforts and discussed possible local limits on gas-powered leaf blowers.
A presenter described a reapplication for sustainable certification in 2025, noting a prior submission in 2022 and that the second submission achieved more points than the minimum required; comments on the second submission were expected in June and a third submission is planned with comments expected in mid-September. "We are trying for the same in 2025," the presenter said.
The presenter also said a draft green-state policy, updated from a 2010 version, will be submitted to the council. Board members asked for clarification on timing and scope and were told the draft will be transmitted by a staff member identified in the discussion as handling submissions.
Members then discussed noise issues and regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers. Several members raised examples from other municipalities that have banned gas blowers outright or limited their use by time of day. Board members and the presenter noted practical issues with battery-powered alternatives, including cost and battery charge duration, and stressed that no decision has been made.
There was no public advocacy or formal motion tied to the sustainability briefing or the leaf-blower discussion at the meeting. Board members asked staff to continue gathering information so the board can consider potential ordinance changes in a future session.
