Port Jefferson Civic Association urges limits on gas-powered leaf blowers, offers phased transition plan

John Russell, corresponding secretary of the Port Jefferson Civic Association, and Kathleen McLean, the association’s vice president, asked the Village Board of Trustees on June 10 to adopt "common sense" limits on gas‑powered leaf blowers to reduce noise, pollution and soil degradation.

"This reasonable proposal is not about putting landscapers out of business," McLean told the board. "It's about recognizing that the technology has evolved and our local codes need to evolve with it." Russell said the devices can exceed village limits and cited public‑health concerns he attributed to emissions and fine particulates.

The presenters outlined several specific proposals: prohibit gas‑powered leaf blowers near "sensitive institutions" (hospitals, care centers, schools and libraries); ban gas blowers on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays year‑round; allow gas blowers during leaf season (proposed Oct. 1–Dec. 30 for an initial transition period); require commercial landscapers to register with the village; and adopt a three‑strike enforcement policy (warning, $500 second offense, $1,000 third offense) with a six‑month compliance window for landscapers.

Russell cited a number of technical claims during the presentation, including that two‑stroke engines can emit unburned fuel, that some blowers operate in the 75–100 dB range (higher than the village's stated 65 dBA sound limit), and that particulate pollution can worsen respiratory conditions. He also said roughly "250‑plus communities" nationwide have adopted restrictions or bans and that New York State recently approved rebates to encourage electric equipment purchases, with NYSERDA expected to administer funds.

Trustees asked for more information about enforcement and cost. Several board members and residents pressed presenters on whether homeowners would be subject to the same penalties as commercial landscapers, and on the price and effectiveness of electric commercial equipment. Russell said he had spoken with landscapers and with municipalities that made the transition and pointed to an industry survey he summarized as showing most landscapers did not raise rates substantially when switching to electric equipment.

Board members asked the presenters to share their database of other municipalities' codes and contact information; Russell said he would provide those materials. No ordinance or resolution was introduced at the meeting — the board heard the presentation and took questions but did not schedule a vote.

The board did not adopt any immediate regulatory changes. Trustees indicated they wanted time to review materials and hear more from stakeholders, including landscapers, municipal crews and residents, before taking legislative action.