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Trustees reopen leaf-blower law debate; Larchmont model cited, concerns raised for landscapers and parks
Summary
Trustees resumed discussion of the village's leaf-blower law, with Trustee de Rhodes saying the board modeled the law on Larchmont's rules and some trustees citing public-health concerns about combustion engines while others warned of economic harm to small landscapers; the board scheduled further discussion and public comment ahead of any ordinance changes.
Trustee de Rhodes reopened the board's conversation on the existing leaf-blower law, saying the village had "modeled our law after Larchmont" and asking trustees to consider whether exemptions and enforcement were equitable. He urged the board to seek a compromise that gives residents some allowance while recognizing differences between small residential lots and large municipal parks.
Other trustees debated competing priorities: public-health and environmental concerns (particulates and fumes from gas-powered blowers), the practicality of electric equipment for large park areas, and the economic impact on small landscapers that rely on volume. One trustee said the machines "are such polluters" and described the fumes as harmful to both bystanders and operators; another warned that forcing smaller companies to buy electric equipment could push them out of business.
Several trustees suggested studying other municipal models (including Larchmont, White Plains and Rye), asking staff and the Village Attorney to draft options, and holding additional public comment before any law is changed. The board set a target to discuss proposed edits at the May 12 work session and to schedule public comment at an upcoming regular meeting so changes would take effect, if adopted, in the fall rather than the current season.
What's next: Trustees asked staff to collect model ordinances, solicit input from landscapers and the public, and return a draft or menu of options for the board to consider at future meetings.
